🇱🇧 Lebanon · Food
Dawood Basha
By eatmundo · July 12, 2026
A comforting Lebanese meatball stew simmered in a rich tomato sauce with small eggplants or potatoes. It is a classic home-style dish that perfectly captures the warmth of traditional Lebanese kitchens.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Peel the eggplants 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
Stir in the 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 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 15 to 20 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.
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