Dawood Basha
Dawood Basha is a staple Lebanese dish: succulent meatballs and potatoes swimming in a rich tomato sauce bursting with Middle Eastern flavors. But I have a secret way of making it! In simple words, I'll give you the juiciest saucy meatballs you ever had! Best thing? It's perfect for batch cooking! Just follow along my super easy recipe below!
I am not one to keep people waiting, so here's my secret way to make Dawood Basha (Lebanese meatballs in tomato sauce):
Instead of boiling potatoes and serving them next to the meatballs, I mash them and mix them with the tomato sauce!
Why? Because this way the tomato sauce is richer, thicker and more flavourful.
And the dish looks more refined too!
Now just follow along the recipe below and enjoy these saucy meatballs!
Ingredients
Time
- Total:
- 55m
- Prep:
- 10m
- Cook:
- 45m
Meatballs
- Ground beef, 1lbs (500 g)
- Fresh parsley, 1 bunch
- White onion, 1/2 medium onion
- 7-Spice Mix, 1 tbsp
- Garlic, 2 cloves
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Sauce
- Tomato sauce, 2 cups (500 g)
- Potatoes (mashing variety), 1/4 lbs (125 g)
- White onion, 1/2 medium onion
- Garlic, 1 clove
- Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp
- 7-Spices mix, 1/2 tbsp
- Salt, to taste
Serving (Optional)
- Pomegranate seeds, 4 tbsp
- Fresh Basil
- Toasted blanched almonds, 4 tbsp
Notes
You can replace the ground beef with 50% beef and 50% lamb mince for more flavour.
Make sure you choose mince with a 15-20% fat content, or the meatballs won't be juicy enough.
Good potato varieties for mashing are Yukon Gold, or Russet.
Nutrition Facts
| Total Fat 18.8g | 29% |
| Saturated 6g | 30% |
| Omega-3 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 112.5g | 38% |
| Total Carbohydrates 37.5g | 13% |
| Dietary Fibers 10g | 36% |
| Sugars 16g | 18% |
| Protein 39g | 85% |
| Vitamin A 375mg | 54% |
| Vitamin C 33.8mg | 45% |
| Iron 5.5mg | 37% |
| Sodium 500mg | 22% |
Instructions
Step 1
Let's start by boling the potatoes so that we can mash them later.
Dice them into medium sized cubes and boil them for around 15-20 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, mix the 7-spices with fresh parsley, chopped garlic, onions, pepper, salt, and the meat.
Get a nice homogenous mix, divide it in equal portions and shape the meatballs. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.
Step 3
Once the potatoes are soft enough to be mashed, sieve them through a colander but make sure you keep the water - we'll need it later.
Cool the potatoes under cold water.
Now, put them in a blender and tip in the garlic, onions, and 7-spices. Pour in the tomato sauce as well.
Blend everything until thick and smooth.
Step 4
Next, get a large pan and drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil.
Stir fry the meatballs for around 5 minutes at medium heat. You just want them to brown a bit and release some juice.
Step 5
Pour the blend of tomato sauce onto the meatballs and add enough hot water to cover the meatballs at least half way through.
Now cook for around 20 minutes at medium-high heat covering the pan with a lid for the first 10 minutes and stirring regularly afterwards.
Step 6
Once the sauce has thickened, your Lebanese meatballs are ready to serve!
Optionally, sprinkle them with some toasted almonds, fresh basil and some pomegranate seeds if you fancy.
Or just have them as is - they are delicious anyway!
Goes well with
Looking for something of substance to scoop up the leftover sauce? Try my cheesy Lebanese Manakish!
FAQ
What is Dawood Basha?
Dawood Basha is a traditional Lebanese dish consisting of meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
What type of meat is used in Dawood Basha?
Typically, Dawood Basha is made with ground lamb or beef. Sometimes, I use a combination of both.
What are the main ingredients for the meatballs?
The main ingredients for the meatballs include ground meat (lamb or beef), onions, garlic, parsley, and spices such as 7-Spice mix. If you like to add a bit of crunch to the meatballs, consider adding a handful of pinenuts to the ground meat.
How is the tomato sauce made?
The tomato sauce is made with onions, garlic, tomato paste, and a blend of spices, including cinnamon and allspice. I like to add some mashed potatoes to my sauce for extra creaminess. And for additional flavor, you might add a tablespoon of pomegranate molasses.
Can Dawood Basha be made ahead of time?
Yes, Dawood Basha can be prepared ahead of time. The meatballs and sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat in the pan by adding a splash of water if the sauce gets too dry or in the microwave.
What can be served with Dawood Basha?
Dawood Basha is commonly served with rice, bulgur, Levantine bread, or even stewed potatoes.
How long does it take to cook Dawood Basha?
The preparation and cooking time for Dawood Basha is approximately 1 hour. This includes making the meatballs, preparing the sauce, and simmering everything together.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of Dawood Basha?
While traditionally a meat-based dish, a vegetarian version can be made by substituting meatballs with vegetable or legume-based alternatives and using vegetable broth to add extra flavor to the tomato sauce.
What variations exist for this recipe?
Variations of Dawood Basha may include the use of different spices, adding vegetables like peas or potatoes to the sauce (which is my favourite way to do it!), or incorporating different types of nuts such as crushed almonds, walnuts, or pinenuts.
How do you store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.