Arabic-Style Dry Beef and Eggplant Recipe
If you love hearty, flavorful dishes with a Middle Eastern touch, this Arabic-style dry beef and eggplant recipe is a must-try. With a perfect blend of spices and tender beef, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or flatbread. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to recreate this delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
500g beef (cubed)
1 large eggplant (chopped)
2 fresh tomatoes (chopped)
1 onion (sliced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp oil (sunflower or any preferred oil)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cardamom powder
1tsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
Water (as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed beef and cook for about 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it gets a nice brown color.
3. Since this recipe uses stewing beef, we need to make it tender. Add water to the pan, turn the heat to high, and let it boil.
4. Allow the water to evaporate completely (this process takes around 7 minutes). This step is essential for softening the meat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
5. Once the water has evaporated, add sliced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Keep the heat fairly high and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Spices and Eggplant
6. Stir in salt, black pepper, cardamom powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and cumin. Mix well.
7. Add chopped eggplant and cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring often.
Step 4: Cook with Tomatoes
8. Add fresh tomatoes and let them break down for about 5 minutes. This will create natural moisture in the dish.
9. Reduce the heat to low and mix in the tomato paste.
10. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook slowly for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
11. Turn off the heat and check for seasoning. Adjust salt if needed.
12. Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or enjoy it on its own.
This Arabic-style dry beef and eggplant dish is packed with rich flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a simple yet delicious option.
Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how it turned out! Happy cooking!
