Tortma Stew – My Little Twist on a Traditional Arabic Meal

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 6
Tortma Stew with a Twist - A Fusion of Arabic and Western Flavors
in Stew

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 hr

Ready In

1 hr 20 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 eggplants
1/2 lb ground beef
1 onion , chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 can chopped tomatoes
4 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups water
oil ( for frying )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
477
Sugar
10g
Fat
30g
Tortma Stew is a Lebanese dish that has become popular throughout the Middle East. This recipe, however, puts a twist on the classic by including beef and a blend of spices that appeal to western tastes. The result is a beautifully layered dish with delicious textures and flavors that offer an exciting culinary adventure for every bite. This dish is a great choice for dinner parties, as it can feed a crowd and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375F.
2.Peel eggplants and cut into long, thin strips. Season with salt and let sit for half an hour, then pat them dry with a towel.
3.In a pan, fry the eggplant in oil until golden brown. Set aside on a paper towel.
4.In the same pan, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and season with salt, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon. Mix in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
5.In a large oven-safe dish, place the eggplant strips vertically in a single layer. Thinly layer the beef-tomato sauce over the eggplants, then place a layer of eggplant strips again. Repeat for 2-3 layers, until all the ingredients are used up.
6.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-45 minutes, until the eggplant is tender. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes to brown the top. Serve hot.

PROS

Tortma Stew is a beautifully layered dish that blends the eggplant’s soft texture and the beefy tomato sauce with an exciting mix of spices and flavors, creating a unique culinary experience for every bite.
It’s easy to prepare in just a few simple steps and is perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends.

CONS

The traditional Tortma Stew recipe uses lots of oil and ground beef, which can make it a high-calorie dish.
The high fat content and sodium level may not suit those with specific dietary requirements or health conditions; hence, it’s best to consume in moderation and as part of a balanced meal plan.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tortma stew is loaded with nutritious, healthy veggies like eggplants and chopped tomatoes, providing you with a variety of vitamins, fiber, and minerals to support your overall health and wellbeing. The allspice and cinnamon in the recipe also boast a long list of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, aiding digestion and reducing blood sugar levels, among others.

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