Dawood Basha
داوود باشا (dah-WOOD BAH-shah)
Spiced Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Tender, aromatic meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with pine nuts and warm spices. Named after an Ottoman governor, this elegant Egyptian dish transforms humble ground meat into something regal.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Instructions
-
1
Combine ground beef with grated onion, allspice, cinnamon, half the cumin, salt, and half the parsley. Knead vigorously for three minutes until the mixture is very smooth.
-
2
Shape the seasoned meat into walnut-sized meatballs, pressing a few pine nuts into the center of each one. Place on a baking sheet as you work through them.
-
3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides for five minutes. Work in batches to avoid crowding, ensuring a deep golden sear.
-
4
In a heavy pot, saute garlic in olive oil for one minute. Add tomato paste and cook two minutes more. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and remaining cumin.
-
5
Nestle the browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for twenty-five minutes until the sauce thickens and meatballs cook through.
-
6
Scatter the remaining pine nuts and fresh chopped parsley over the finished dish. Serve over vermicelli rice or with warm flatbread for a satisfying meal.
Did You Know?
Dawood Basha is named after Dawud Pasha, an Ottoman governor of Egypt, whose personal cook allegedly created this dish to satisfy his demanding palate.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- large skillet
- heavy pot
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
The Story Behind Dawood Basha
Dawood Basha reflects the Ottoman influence on Egyptian cuisine, where refined court dishes were adopted and adapted by local cooks. The use of pine nuts, allspice, and cinnamon in meatballs is a hallmark of Ottoman-Egyptian cooking that distinguishes it from simpler preparations. This dish became a staple of Egyptian entertaining, elevating everyday ground meat into elegant dinner-party fare.
Comments (0)
Log in to leave a comment.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!