M’battan is a traditional Libyan dish that consists of meat-stuffed potatoes. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is popular in Libyan cuisine. The name “M’battan” is derived from the Arabic word “mbattna,” which means “stuffed.”
M'battan Libyan Meat Stuffed Potatoes
In this dish, large potatoes are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or lamb, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. The meat is cooked until browned and seasoned, creating a flavorful filling.The stuffed potatoes are then baked in the oven until tender, with the tops turning golden brown. The potato flesh that was scooped out is often mashed and seasoned separately, then served alongside the stuffed potatoes as a side dish.M'battan is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the earthiness of potatoes with the richness of spiced meat. It is commonly served with a side salad or bread, and it's a popular dish for gatherings and special occasions in Libya.Here's a recipe for M'battan, a traditional Libyan dish of meat-stuffed potatoes:
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 300 grams ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a knife, make a lengthwise incision on the top of each potato, creating a "lid." Then, carefully scoop out the flesh from each potato, leaving a thick wall around the edges. Set aside the scooped-out potato flesh for later use.
- Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon.
- Add the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
- Take each potato shell and fill it with the meat mixture, packing it in tightly. Place the potato lids back on top.
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil and arrange the stuffed potatoes in it. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the tops are golden brown.
- While the potatoes are baking, take the scooped-out potato flesh and mash it with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the stuffed potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the M'battan by placing a dollop of the mashed potato mixture on each plate and placing a stuffed potato on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Video
Notes
M'battan is often enjoyed with a side salad or bread. It's a delicious and hearty dish that showcases the flavors of Libyan cuisine. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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Lillian
Lillian loves to try her hands on new recipes. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise: food is the way to everyone's heart.
