By eatmundo · July 12, 2026
Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world
5 matchesDishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Dawood Basha. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.
GolubtsiIn Russia · same ingredients57%
Alinazik Kebab (Smoked Eggplant Puree with Ground Meat)In Türkiye · same ingredients56%
Moussaka Masriya (Egyptian Eggplant Casserole)In Egypt · same ingredients53%
A comforting Lebanese meatball stew simmered in a rich tomato sauce with eggplant. It is a classic home-style dish that perfectly captures the warmth of traditional Lebanese kitchens.
According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Dawood Basha from another cuisine is Golubtsi (Russia): the two share 57% of their ingredients.
Ingredients
tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping listHow to Make It
- 1
Peel 2 medium eggplants (500 g) in stripes and cut into 3cm cubes, then fry in 200ml of oil until golden brown.
- 2
In a bowl, mix the beef with salt, pepper, and cinnamon until the mixture is tacky and well-combined.
- 3
Shape the meat into small, uniform walnut-sized balls to ensure even cooking.
- 4
Heat a large pan and sear the meatballs over medium-high heat until they develop a beautiful deep brown crust.
- 5
Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and cook for 3 minutes, then stir in 2 tbsp of tomato paste and 500ml of water, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful browned bits.
- 6
Gently slide the fried eggplant cubes into the sauce so they don't break apart.
- 7
Simmer the stew on low heat for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a thick, glossy consistency.
- 8
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry pan for 2 minutes until golden, then sprinkle over the stew before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dawood Basha?
Dawood Basha is a Lebanese dish consisting of spiced beef meatballs simmered in a tomato-based sauce, often garnished with pine nuts. It is typically served as a main course alongside vermicelli rice.
What is the ideal fat percentage for the ground beef in Dawood Basha?
Use ground beef with 15% to 20% fat content to ensure the meatballs stay juicy and tender during the simmering process.
Do I need to peel the eggplant before adding it to the dish?
You can leave the skin on for texture, but it is best to peel it in a striped pattern to reduce bitterness while keeping the eggplant intact.
How long should the meatballs simmer in the tomato sauce?
Simmer the meatballs in the sauce on low heat for about 25 minutes until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
What is the best way to toast the pine nuts for topping?
Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until they are golden brown, then remove them immediately to prevent burning.
