Cookbook:Bazeen bil Lahm (Libyan Meat Bazeen)

Bazeen bil Lahm is a traditional Libyan dish that is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It is a combination of tender chunks of meat, typically beef or lamb, cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce, and served with a special dough-like bread called bazeen. This dish is commonly enjoyed during festive occasions and gatherings, bringing people together to savor its delicious flavors.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons olive oil
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 3 cloves of garlic, minced
 * 500 grams (1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into small cubes
 * 2 tomatoes, diced
 * 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
 * 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
 * 2 bell peppers, diced
 * 1 tablespoon tomato paste
 * 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 * 1 teaspoon ground coriander
 * 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
 * ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
 * Salt, to taste
 * Pepper, to taste
 * 4 cups water
 * Bazeen dough

Equipment

 * Large pot or Dutch oven with a lid
 * Wooden spoon or spatula

Procedure

 * 1) In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
 * 2) Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
 * 3) Add the meat cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
 * 4) Stir in the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and bell peppers.
 * 5) Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the ingredients with the spices.
 * 6) Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
 * 7) Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the bazeen simmer for about 1.5–2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
 * 8) While the stew is cooking, prepare the bazeen dough according to the package instructions or homemade recipe.
 * 9) Once the stew is ready, shape the dough into small balls and place them in the serving bowls.
 * 10) Ladle the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the bazeen dough.
 * 11) Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Libyan dish.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Bazeen is a traditional Libyan bread made from a mixture of flour, water, and salt. It has a dense and doughy texture and is typically served with meat-based dishes like Bazeen bil Lahm.
 * Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your desired level of heat.
 * For a richer and more intense flavor, you can marinate the meat cubes with spices and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
 * Serve Bazeen bil Lahm with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
 * Bazeen can also be prepared with other types of meat such as chicken or goat, based on personal preference.
 * Experiment with adding different vegetables to the dish, such as peas, green beans, or zucchini, to customize the flavors and textures.