Mbatten

Name: Mbatten
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Libyan
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced 5mm thick; 300g ground lamb; 1 onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; Fresh parsley, chopped; 3 eggs, beaten; Salt and pepper; Vegetable oil for frying; Flour for dusting

مبطن (mm-BAH-ten)

Stuffed Fried Potato Cakes

⏱ Prep Time 45 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 355 kcal

Thin potato slices sandwiching a spiced lamb filling, dipped in egg batter, and fried until crispy golden. These Libyan potato cakes are irresistible crunchy snacks.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 16.0g

Carbs 30.0g

Fat 19.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

deep skillet peeler mixing bowl

Presentation Guide

Vessel: serving platter

Garnishes: lemon wedges, parsley

Accompaniments: harissa

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced 5mm thick
300g ground lamb
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Fresh parsley, chopped
3 eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Flour for dusting

Instructions

1
Boil potato slices in salted water for 5 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain and pat dry.
2
Cook ground lamb with onion, garlic, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, parsley, salt, and pepper until browned.
3
Place a spoonful of the lamb mixture between two potato slices, pressing together gently to form a sandwich.
4
Dust each potato sandwich lightly in flour, then dip into beaten egg, coating thoroughly.
5
Fry in hot oil at 175C for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
6
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges and a side of harissa.

💡

Did You Know?

Mbatten is the Libyan answer to the question: what if potatoes and kafta had a delicious, crispy baby?

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

deep skillet
peeler
mixing bowl

Garnishing

lemon wedges, parsley

Accompaniments

harissa

The Story Behind Mbatten

Mbatten represents Libyan ingenuity in creating maximum flavor from affordable ingredients. The concept of sandwiching spiced meat between potato slices and frying them creates a dish that is part fritter, part croquette, and wholly Libyan. It became a beloved Ramadan appetizer, appearing on iftar tables across the country. The dish showcases the Libyan talent for transforming simple pantry staples into something celebratory through clever technique and bold seasoning.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed meze, appetizer, ramadan 📜 Origins: Traditional Libyan

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