Dawood Basha: Flavorful Syrian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Discover the rich culinary traditions of Syria with these delightful Dawood Basha meatballs, a dish that beautifully marries spices, fresh tomatoes, and savory meat. Originating from the heart of Syrian cuisine, this recipe evokes warmth and hospitality, making it perfect for lunch or as a hearty snack. Each meatball is seasoned to perfection and simmered in a luscious tomato and onion sauce, creating a flavor-packed dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Serve these succulent meatballs over a fluffy bed of rice, and enjoy a taste of the Middle East in your own kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef or lamb
1 lb (Ground)
Fresh tomatoes
3 lbs (Peeled and diced)
Medium onion
1 (Chopped)
Fresh parsley
1 cup (Chopped)
Ghee or canola oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Baharat spice mix
2 teaspoons (For seasoning)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with 1/3 cup of chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3
In a large skillet, heat ghee or canola oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown them on all sides, cooking for about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet for 30 minutes, turning them halfway through.
4
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce. In the same skillet with the drippings from the meatballs, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Peel and dice the fresh tomatoes, then add them to the onions in the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and the flavors to meld.
6
Once the tomatoes have cooked down, gently add the browned meatballs to the skillet. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 30 minutes, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors.
7
Before serving, season the sauce with additional salt to taste, the baharat spice mix, and the remaining parsley. Serve the meatballs and sauce hot over a generous portion of rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dawood Basha?
Dawood Basha is a traditional Syrian dish featuring seasoned meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato and onion sauce.
Where does this recipe originate?
This recipe originates from the heart of Syrian cuisine and reflects rich Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
What type of meat is used in Dawood Basha?
The recipe calls for one pound of either ground beef or ground lamb.
How do I season the meat for the meatballs?
Season the meat with chopped parsley, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper before shaping.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meatballs should be shaped into small rounds, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
How do I cook the meatballs in a skillet?
Heat ghee or canola oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) on a lined baking sheet for 30 minutes, turning them halfway.
What fat is used for sautéing the onions?
You can use either ghee or canola oil for sautéing.
How many tomatoes are needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be peeled and diced before being added to the sauce.
How long do the onions need to sauté?
Sauté the chopped onions in the meat drippings for 3 to 5 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer initially?
The tomato and onion mixture should simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
When are the meatballs added back to the sauce?
Add the browned meatballs to the skillet after the tomato sauce has already simmered for 30 minutes.
How long do the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
The meatballs should simmer in the tomato sauce for an additional 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What is the key spice mix used in this dish?
Baharat spice mix is used to provide the authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
When should I add the Baharat spice mix?
Add the Baharat spice mix to the sauce just before serving, along with additional salt and parsley.
How much parsley is used in the recipe?
A total of 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley is used, divided between the meat mixture and the final sauce seasoning.
What is the recommended side dish for Dawood Basha?
It is best served hot over a generous, fluffy bed of rice.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, Dawood Basha is perfect as a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner.
Can this be served as a snack?
While traditionally a main dish, it can also be served as a satisfying and hearty snack.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a luscious, thickened mixture of cooked-down fresh tomatoes and onions.
Can I use canola oil instead of ghee?
Yes, the recipe allows for either ghee or canola oil depending on your preference.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: meat, tomatoes, onion, parsley, fat, baharat, salt, and pepper.
Does the recipe require peeling the tomatoes?
Yes, for the best sauce consistency, the tomatoes should be peeled and diced.
What kind of onion is used?
One medium onion, chopped, is used for the sauce base.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is based on 1 pound of meat and 3 pounds of tomatoes, making it a substantial meal for a family.
Is Dawood Basha considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food that evokes warmth and hospitality.
How do you ensure the meatballs are flavorful?
The meatballs are seasoned internally with parsley and pepper, then simmered in a spice-infused tomato sauce.
Can the meatballs be made ahead of time?
The meatballs can be browned or baked in advance before being simmered in the sauce when ready to serve.
What makes the sauce rich in flavor?
The sauce gains richness from the meat drippings, the long simmering of fresh tomatoes, and the final addition of Baharat spices.