"Basbousa" means "sweet," and dishes with this name are all desserts. Simple to make, and highly valued for their flavor, this version has been popular for many years, especially when made from goats' milk yogurt.
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 1
relative cost : 1
possible day ahead preparation : y
storing : Store at room temperature
freezing : y
reheating : To reheat place in a preheated 120í C oven until warm, approximately 5 minutes.
tips :
serving suggestion :
Serve with eishta or whipped cream.
TIME:
prep time : 00:40
cook time : 00:35
!! 102 Chicken Stuffed with Rice, Pistachios and Liver or Prunes
ING:
Servings: 2 people
[Chicken liver] or [prunes] 30 g
[Corn oil] 2 tsp
Finely chopped small [onion] 1
[Pistachios], peeled 25 g
[Chicken stock] 280 ml
[Lemon] juice 2 tsp
Ground [turmeric] 1/4 tsp
Ground [allspice] pinch
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Long-grain [rice] 125 g
Whole [chicken] 400 g
@
Servings: 4 people
[Chicken liver] or [prunes] 70 g
[Corn oil] 1 tbs
Finely chopped medium [onion] 1
[Pistachios], peeled 50 g
[Chicken stock] 560 ml
[Lemon] juice 1 tbs
Ground [turmeric] 1/2 tsp
Ground [allspice] 1/4 tsp
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Long-grain [rice] 250 g
Whole [chicken] 850 g
@
Servings: 6 people
[Chicken liver] or [prunes] 100 g
[Corn oil] 2 tbs
Finely chopped large [onion] 1
[Pistachios], peeled 70 g
[Chicken stock] 840 ml
[Lemon] juice 2 tbs
Ground [turmeric] 1/2 tsp
Ground [allspice] 1/4 tsp
Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Long-grain [rice] 370 g
Whole [chicken] 1 1/4 kg
@
Servings: 8 people
[Chicken liver] or [prunes] 130 g
[Corn oil] 3 tbs
Finely chopped medium [onions] 2
[Pistachios], peeled 100 g
[Chicken stock] 1 liter
[Lemon] juice 3 tbs
Ground [turmeric] 3/4 tsp
Ground [allspice] 1/4 tsp
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Long-grain [rice] 500 g
Whole [chicken] 1 3/4 kg
@
Servings: 10 people
[Chicken liver] or [prunes] 175 g
[Corn oil] 3 tbs
Finely chopped large [onions] 2
[Pistachios], peeled 125 g
[Chicken stock] 1 1/2 liters
[Lemon] juice 3 tbs
Ground [turmeric] 3/4 tsp
Ground [allspice] 1/2 tsp
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Long-grain [rice] 600 g
Whole [chicken] 2 kg
@
Servings: 12 people
[Chicken liver] or prunes 200 g
[Corn oil] 60 ml
Finely chopped large [onions] 2-3
[Pistachios], peeled 150 g
[Chicken stock] 1 3/4 liters
[Lemon] juice 60 ml
Ground [turmeric] 1 tsp
Ground [allspice] 1/2 tsp
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Long-grain [rice] 750 g
Whole [chicken] 2 1/2 kg
@
TOOLS:
[Chef's knife]
[Cutting board]
[Frying pan]
[Wooden spoon]
[Saucepan] with a lid
[Pepper mill]
[Bowls]
[Fork]
[Kitchen string]
[Baking bag]
[Baking dish]
INFO:
This celebratory dish is often served at weddings. Many say that the chicken assures the newlywed couple wealth, the rice guarantees contentment, the pistachio nuts give joy, and the liver good health.
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 3
relative cost : 3
possible day ahead preparation : y
storing : refrigerate
freezing : y
reheating : To reheat place the chicken in a cooking bag or wrap in aluminum foil then put in a preheated 160í C oven until hot.
tips :
serving suggestion :
A fresh salad of greens compliments this dish very nicely.
TIME:
prep time : 01:10
cook time : 01:30 - 02:00
!! 103 Rice Cake
ING:
Servings: 8 - 12 people
Long-grain [rice] 250 g
[Salt] pinch
[Milk] 1 liter
[Eggs] 4
[Sugar] 100 g
[Vanilla] essence 1 tsp
Melted [butter] 30 g
Caramel:
Water 2 tbs
Sugar 150 g
@
TOOLS:
[Bowls]
[Saucepans]
[Strainer]
[Whisk]
Round [cake pan] 24 cm diameter
[Wooden spoon]
[Baking dish]
INFO:
Probably introduced to the region when Egyptian sailors were sailing to places as far away as India, nearly 3,500 years ago, these are considered snack foods or ideal accompaniments to fish meals.
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 1
relative cost : 1
possible day ahead preparation : y
storing : refrigerate
freezing : n
reheating : n
tips :
serving suggestion :
Serve with whipped cream or eishta. For an extra touch, sprinkle with grenadine.
TIME:
prep time : 01:15
cook time : 01:05
!! 104 Stuffed Breast of Lamb
ING:
Servings: 2 people
[Olive oil] 2 tbs
Small, chopped [onion] 1
Chopped [garlic] clove 1
Cooked short-grain [rice] 150 g
[Candied orange peel] 25 g
Blanched [almonds] 50 g
Chopped dried [apricots] 50 g
Chopped [parsley] small bunch
Chopped [mint] small bunch
[Sumac] 1 tsp
[Allspice] 1/4 tsp
[Clove] pinch
Breast of [lamb] about 650 g
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
@
Servings: 4 people
[Olive oil] 3 tbs
Chopped [onion] 1
Chopped [garlic] cloves 2
Cooked short-grain [rice] 300 g
[Candied orange peel] 35 g
Blanched [almonds] 100 g
Chopped dried [apricots] 100 g
Chopped [parsley] small bunch
Chopped [mint] small bunch
[Sumac] 1 tsp
[Allspice] 1/4 tsp
[Clove] pinch
Breast of [lamb] about 1 1/4 kg
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
@
Servings: 6 people
[Olive oil] 60 ml
Chopped [onions] 2
Chopped [garlic] cloves 3
Cooked short-grain [rice] 400 g
[Candied orange peel] 50 g
Blanched [almonds] 150 g
Chopped dried [apricots] 150 g
Chopped [parsley] medium bunch
Chopped [mint] small bunch
[Sumac] 1 tsp
[Allspice] 1/2 tsp
[Clove] pinch
Breast of [lamb] about 2 kg
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
@
Servings: 8 people
[Olive oil] 80 ml
Chopped [onions] 3
Chopped [garlic] cloves 4
Cooked short-grain [rice] 550 g
[Candied orange peel] 75 g
Blanched [almonds] 200 g
Chopped dried [apricots] 200 g
Chopped [parsley] medium bunch
Chopped [mint] medium bunch
[Sumac] 1 tsp
[Allspice] 1/2 tsp
[Clove] 1/4 tsp
Breast of [lamb] about 2 3/4 kg
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
@
Servings: 10 people
[Olive oil] 90 ml
Chopped [onions] 3
Chopped [garlic] cloves 5
Cooked short-grain [rice] 700 g
[Candied orange peel] 80 g
Blanched [almonds] 250 g
Chopped dried [apricots] 250 g
Chopped [parsley] large bunch
Chopped [mint] medium bunch
[Sumac] 2 tsp
[Allspice] 3/4 tsp
[Clove] 1/4 tsp
Breast of [lamb] about 3 1/4 kg
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
@
Servings: 12 people
[Olive oil] 100 ml
Chopped [onions] 4
Chopped [garlic] cloves 6
Cooked short-grain [rice] 800 g
[Candied orange peel] 100 g
Blanched [almonds] 300 g
Chopped dried [apricots] 300 g
Chopped [parsley] large bunch
Chopped [mint] medium bunch
[Sumac] 2 tsp
[Allspice] 3/4 tsp
[Clove] 1/2 tsp
Breast of [lamb] about 4 kg
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
@
TOOLS:
[Saucepan] with a lid
[Chef's knife]
[Cutting board]
[Frying pan]
[Wooden spoon]
[Bowl]
[Kitchen string] and needle
[Pepper mill]
[Roasting pan]
[Aluminum foil]
INFO:
It is said that every cook and chef in Egypt has his or her own recipe for the stuffing to be used with breast of lamb. Because most of these cooks think that theirs is the very best of all the versions, when asked to share their recipes most will either leave out one or two necessary ingredients or add one that will spoil the dish. This is done so that no one else will be able to cook the dish as well as the holder of the original recipe. (No necessary ingredients have been omitted in the following recipe and no unnecessary ones have been added).
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 3
relative cost : 3
possible day ahead preparation : y
storing : refrigerate
freezing : y
reheating : To reheat place the lamb in a roasting pan, cover with some stock then place in a preheated 160í C oven until hot.
tips :
serving suggestion :
Serve with a fresh green salad with lemon juice and olive oil.
TIME:
prep time : 00:40
cook time : 02:00
!! 105 Ful Medames - Fava Beans
ING:
Servings: 2 people
Dried ful 500 g
(fava or [broad beans])
Red [lentils] 25 g
Crushed [garlic] cloves 2
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Finely chopped [parsley] small bunch
[Olive oil] for garnish
[Lemon] juice for garnish
[Cumin] for garnish
Hard-boiled [eggs] 1 per person
[Tahini] for garnish
@
Servings: 4 people
Dried ful 1 kg
(fava or [broad beans])
Red [lentils] 50 g
Crushed [garlic] cloves 3
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Finely chopped [parsley] small bunch
[Olive oil] for garnish
[Lemon] juice for garnish
[Cumin] for garnish
Hard-boiled [eggs] 1 per person
[Tahini] for garnish
@
Servings: 6 people
Dried ful 1 1/2 kg
(fava or [broad beans])
Red [lentils] 75 g
Crushed [garlic] cloves 5
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Finely chopped [parsley] medium bunch
[Olive oil] for garnish
[Lemon] juice for garnish
[Cumin] for garnish
Hard-boiled [eggs] 1 per person
[Tahini] for garnish
@
Servings: 8 people
Dried ful 2 kg
(fava or [broad beans])
Red [lentils] 100 g
Crushed [garlic] cloves 6
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Finely chopped [parsley] medium bunch
[Olive oil] for garnish
[Lemon] juice for garnish
[Cumin] for garnish
Hard-boiled [eggs] 1 per person
[Tahini] for garnish
@
Servings: 10 people
Dried ful 2 1/2 kg
(fava or [broad beans])
Red [lentils] 125 g
Crushed [garlic] cloves 8
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Finely chopped [parsley] large bunch
[Olive oil] for garnish
[Lemon] juice for garnish
[Cumin] for garnish
Hard-boiled [eggs] 1 per person
[Tahini] for garnish
@
Servings: 12 people
Dried ful 3 kg
(fava or [broad beans])
Red [lentils] 150 g
Crushed [garlic] cloves 9
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
Finely chopped [parsley] large bunch
[Olive oil] for garnish
[Lemon] juice for garnish
[Cumin] for garnish
Hard-boiled [eggs] 1 per person
[Tahini] for garnish
@
TOOLS:
[Bowl]
[Colander]
Heavy [saucepan] with a lid
[Strainer]
[Garlic press]
[Pepper mill]
INFO:
Said by many to be the national dish of Egypt, and almost certainly dating back to the time of the Pharaohs, this dish can be found in both peasant homes or in the most luxurious restaurants. One of the few dishes that nobody claims to eat because it is prestigious, but everybody admits they eat because it is delicious. In Egypt, this dish is eaten primarily by the working class early in the morning. It is a very filling dish, which is perfect for the working class, who will not eat again until the evening meal.
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 1
relative cost : 1
possible day ahead preparation : y
storing : refrigerate
freezing : y
reheating : To reheat warm on a stove top over medium heat.
tips :
serving suggestion :
Serve as part of a traditional ful plate with humus, tahini, lemon juice, hard-boiled egg, garlic, ground cumin, olive oil, parsley, and pita bread.
TIME:
prep time : 00:30
cook time : 03:00 - 07:00
!! 106 Noodles (Rishta) with Lamb and Tomatoes
ING:
Servings: 2 people
Lean [lamb] 150 g
[Olive oil] 1 tbs
Finely chopped small [onions] 1
Crushed [garlic] clove 1
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Cumin] pinch
Chopped canned [tomatoes] 100 g
[Tomato] paste 1 tsp
Toasted [pine nuts] 25 g
Macaroni or spaghetti 150 g
Grated strong hard [cheese] 30 g
@
Servings: 4 people
Lean [lamb] 350 g
[Olive oil] 2 tbs
Finely chopped medium [onion] 1
Crushed [garlic] cloves 1-2
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Cumin] 1/4 tsp
Chopped canned [tomatoes] 200 g
[Tomato] paste 2 tsp
Toasted [pine nuts] 50 g
Macaroni or spaghetti 350 g
Grated strong hard [cheese] 75 g
@
Servings: 6 people
Lean [lamb] 500 g
[Olive oil] 2 tbs
Finely chopped [onions] 2
Crushed [garlic] cloves 2
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Cumin] 1/2 tsp
Chopped canned [tomatoes] 300 g
[Tomato] paste 1 tbs
Toasted [pine nuts] 80 g
Macaroni or spaghetti 500 g
Grated strong hard [cheese] 100 g
@
Servings: 8 people
Lean [lamb] 650 g
[Olive oil] 3 tbs
Finely chopped [onions] 3
Crushed [garlic] cloves 3
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Cumin] 3/4 tsp
Chopped canned [tomatoes] 400 g
[Tomato] paste 1 tbs
Toasted [pine nuts] 100 g
Macaroni or spaghetti 650 g
Grated strong hard [cheese] 125 g
@
Servings: 10 people
Lean [lamb] 850 g
[Olive oil] 3 tbs
Finely chopped [onions] 3-4
Crushed [garlic] cloves 3-4
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Cumin] 3/4 tsp
Chopped canned [tomatoes] 500 g
[Tomato] paste 2 tbs
Toasted [pine nuts] 150 g
Macaroni or spaghetti 850 g
Grated strong hard [cheese] 175 g
@
Servings: 12 people
Lean [lamb] 1 kg
[Olive oil] 3 tbs
Finely chopped [onions] 4
Crushed [garlic] cloves 4
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Cumin] 1 tsp
Chopped canned [tomatoes] 600 g
[Tomato] paste 2 tbs
Toasted [pine nuts] 160 g
Macaroni or spaghetti 1 kg
Grated strong hard [cheese] 200 g
@
TOOLS:
[Chef's knife]
[Cutting board]
Large [saucepan] with a lid
[Wooden spoon]
[Garlic press]
[Pepper mill]
[Pasta pot]
[Colander]
[Cheese grater]
INFO:
This is another Egyptian dish that has its origins in peasant homes but has since made its way into the wealthiest homes and best restaurants. Like many other pasta dishes, it is very inexpensive to make and is meant to last a long time. This recipe calls for strong hard cheese, but in the Middle East, dried labaneh is traditionally used.
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 2
relative cost : 2
possible day ahead preparation : The meat only may be prepared ahead
storing : refrigerate
freezing : y
reheating : Reheat only the meat and sauce
tips :
serving suggestion :
Serve with fresh vegetables and fresh bread to soak up the sauce.
TIME:
prep time : 00:30
cook time : 02:10
!! 107 Haman Meshwi - Grilled Pigeons
ING:
Servings: 2 people
[Pigeons] or [quails] 4
[Lemon] juice 60 ml
Sliced, small [onion] 1
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Sumac] (optional) 1 tsp
[Olive oil] or melted [butter] for grilling
@
Servings: 4 people
[Pigeons] or [quails] 8
[Lemon] juice 120 ml
Medium, sliced [onion] 1
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Sumac] (optional) 1 tsp
[Olive oil] or melted [butter] for grilling
@
Servings: 6 people
[Pigeons] or [quails] 12
[Lemon] juice 180 ml
Large, sliced [onion] 1
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Sumac] (optional) 1 tsp
[Olive oil] or melted [butter] for grilling
@
Servings: 8 people
[Pigeons] or [quails] 16
[Lemon] juice 240 ml
Sliced [onions] 2
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Sumac] (optional) 2 tsp
[Olive oil] or melted [butter] for grilling
@
Servings: 10 people
[Pigeons] or [quails] 20
[Lemon] juice 300 ml
Medium, sliced [onions] 3
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Sumac] (optional) 2 tsp
[Olive oil] or melted [butter] for grilling
@
Servings: 12 people
[Pigeons] or [quails] 24
[Lemon] juice 360 ml
Large, sliced [onions] 3
[Salt] and freshly ground pepper to taste
[Sumac] (optional) 1 tbs
[Olive oil] or melted [butter] for grilling
@
TOOLS:
[Chef's knife]
[Cutting board]
[Bowl]
[Pepper mill]
[Wooden spoon]
Barbecue grill
[Pastry brush]
INFO:
One of the most luxurious and popular of all Egyptian dishes, grilled pigeons are served at nearly all celebratory occasions, but especially to celebrate engagements. Although pigeons and quails may just as easily make their way into a stew, the most popular ways of preparing these delicious birds is to grill them over hot charcoals.
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 1
relative cost : 3
possible day ahead preparation : n
storing : n
freezing : n
reheating : n
tips :
serving suggestion :
Serve with white rice and mixed greens.
TIME:
prep time : 00:20
cook time : 00:10
!! 108 Semit - Sesame Bread Rings
ING:
Servings: 6 - 8 rings
Fresh [yeast] 15 g
Warm water 180 ml
[Milk] 120 ml
Plain [flour] 400 g
[Salt] 1/2 tsp
[Sugar] 2 tbs
Oil 3 tbs
[Eggs] 1-2
[Sesame seeds] as needed
@
TOOLS:
[Saucepan]
Small [bowl]
Large bowl or [electric mixer]
[Kitchen towel]
[Baking sheet]
Brush
[Baking dish]
[Shallow dish]
INFO:
Popular for snacks (plain or with a bit of cheese or honey), these bread rings are said to be ideal for dipping into hot, sweet tea or coffee. They are available throughout the Middle East, fresh and warm, sold by street vendors pushing large carts up and down the streets.
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 2
relative cost : 1
possible day ahead preparation : n
storing : Store in a sealed container
freezing : y
reheating : To reheat place in a preheated 140í C oven for 5-6 minutes.
tips :
serving suggestion :
Goes well with meze salads, tahini, cheese and honey.
TIME:
prep time : 01:00
cook time : 00:20 - 00:25
!! 109 Humus - PurÄed Chickpeas with Tahini
ING:
Servings: 2 people
[Chickpeas] 120 g
Water 60 ml (from the cooking liquid)
[Tahini] 60 ml
[Cumin] (optional) 1/4 tsp
[Salt] 1 tsp
[Garlic] clove 1/2-1
[Lemon] juice 1 tsp
Chopped fresh [parsley] for garnish
[Paprika] for garnish
@
Servings: 4 people
[Chickpeas] 225 g
Water 120 ml (from the cooking liquid)
[Tahini] 120 ml
[Cumin] (optional) 1/2 tsp
[Salt] 1 tsp
[Garlic] cloves 1-2
[Lemon] juice 1 tbs
Chopped fresh [parsley] for garnish
[Paprika] for garnish
@
Servings: 6 people
[Chickpeas] 350 g
Water 180 ml (from the cooking liquid)
[Tahini] 180 ml
[Cumin] (optional) 1/2 tsp
[Salt] 1 tsp
[Garlic] cloves 2-3
[Lemon juice 1 tbs
Chopped fresh [parsley] for garnish
[Paprika] for garnish
@
Servings: 8 people
[Chickpeas] 450 g
Water 240 ml (from the cooking liquid)
[Tahini] 240 ml
[Cumin] (optional) 3/4 tsp
[Salt] 1 tsp
[Garlic] cloves 3-4
[Lemon] juice 2 tbs
Chopped fresh [parsley] for garnish
[Paprika] for garnish
@
Servings: 10 people
[Chickpeas] 550 g
Water 300 ml (from the cooking liquid)
[Tahini] 300 ml
[Cumin] (optional) 3/4 tsp
[Salt] 1 tsp
[Garlic] cloves 4-5
[Lemon] juice 2 tbs
Chopped fresh [parsley] for garnish
[Paprika] for garnish
@
Servings: 12 people
[Chickpeas] 700 g
Water 360 ml (from the cooking liquid)
[Tahini] 360 ml
[Cumin] (optional) 1 tsp
[Salt] 1 tsp
[Garlic] cloves 5-6
[Lemon] juice 3 tbs
Chopped fresh [parsley] for garnish
[Paprika] for garnish
@
TOOLS:
[Bowl]
[Saucepan]
[Strainer]
[Food processor]
INFO:
This dish, possibly the best known of all Eastern Mediterranean appetizers, could have originated anywhere in the region but Egyptians are firmly convinced that the invention is theirs. So accepted outside the region is this dish, that it was the only authentically Mediterranean item ever listed on the menu of the famous train, "The Orient Express."
ESSENTIALS:
degree of difficulty : 1
relative cost : 1
possible day ahead preparation : y
storing : refrigerate
freezing : n
reheating : n
tips :
serving suggestion :
Serve with ful, falafel, tomato wedges, onions, olive oil, and green onions. And, of course, it wouldn't be complete without plenty of fresh pita bread.
So beloved is this dish that, in addition to Egypt, every country in the Eastern Mediterranean claims it as their own. The truth is that the dish originated in Tunisia, but over the centuries has been adapted to the tastes of other countries. This Egyptian version is one of the best known and most copied.