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Egypt · Food

Kebab Halla (Egyptian Stewed Beef)

105 min
410 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Kebab Halla (Egyptian Stewed Beef)🇪🇬AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

15 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Kebab Halla (Egyptian Stewed Beef). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countriesSee all 15 matches

A classic home-style Egyptian beef stew where meat is slow-cooked with a massive amount of caramelized onions. It is tender, deeply flavorful, and incredibly simple to execute.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Kebab Halla from another cuisine is Classic French Dip Sandwich (USA): the two share 57% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Cut the beef into 2cm cubes and toss with half of the baharat spice, salt, and pepper.

  • 2

    Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot and brown the beef cubes on all sides until well-seared.

  • 3

    Remove the beef from the pot and set aside; in the same fat, add the sliced onions and cook over low heat until deep golden.

  • 4

    Return the beef to the pot, add the minced garlic, and stir in the remaining spices.

  • 5

    Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on very low heat for 1 hour 45 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. Whenever the bottom of the pot looks dry or starts to catch, add 60 ml water, using no more than 250 ml water in total.

  • 6

    The goal is for the onions to completely melt into a thick, dark sauce without needing excessive liquid.

  • 7

    Check for tenderness: the beef should fall apart when pressed with a fork. If it is still firm, cover again and cook on very low heat for another 20 minutes, adding 60 ml water if the pot looks dry, then check again.

  • 8

    Serve warm, ideally paired with vermicelli rice or crusty bread to soak up the rich, onion-heavy gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kebab Halla?

Kebab Halla is an Egyptian beef stew featuring meat slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of baharat spices in ghee. It is a savory dish typically served as a main course for lunch or dinner alongside rice or bread.

What is the secret to the best Kebab Halla?

The secret is the onion-to-meat ratio; you need plenty of onions to create that rich, dark, caramelized sauce.

Do I need to add water?

Very little. With a tight lid, the meat and onions release most of the moisture they need. Add water 60 ml at a time only when the pot looks dry, up to 250 ml in total over the long braise, so nothing scorches.

Can I use lean beef?

It is better to use beef with some fat or connective tissue, like chuck roast, so it stays succulent during the slow cooking.

What spices define the taste?

Baharat is key; it provides a warm, earthy profile that makes this stew uniquely Egyptian.

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