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Egypt · Food

Lahma b'Basal (Beef and Onion Stew)

165 min
440 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Lahma b'Basal (Beef and Onion Stew)🇪🇬AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

11 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Lahma b'Basal (Beef and Onion Stew). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countriesSee all 11 matches

This rich, slow-cooked beef stew is defined by its abundance of onions, which melt into a caramelized, sweet, and savory sauce. It is a classic celebratory dish.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Lahma b'Basal from another cuisine is Beef Bistek Tagalog (Philippines): the two share 57% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Cut 600g beef shank into 4cm cubes.

  • 2

    In a heavy pot, melt 3 tbsp ghee and brown the beef on all sides over high heat.

  • 3

    Remove the beef and add 3 thinly sliced large onions to the pot, sautéing until caramelized.

  • 4

    Return the beef to the pot and add 3 cloves minced garlic, cardamom, and bay leaves.

  • 5

    Add 400ml hot water, bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover the pot tightly.

  • 6

    Simmer covered for 150 minutes, until the beef is fork-tender. Check every 30 minutes and add 100ml hot water whenever the pot looks dry.

  • 7

    Season with the salt and black pepper and stir well.

  • 8

    Remove the lid and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid has reduced to a thick, jammy onion sauce. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lahma b'Basal?

Lahma b'Basal is an Egyptian stew consisting of beef shank and large quantities of onions slow-cooked with ghee and spices. It is a savory main course typically served alongside rice or flatbread during lunch or dinner.

Which cut of beef works best?

Beef shank is preferred because of the connective tissue that creates a silky sauce.

Why so many onions?

The onions act as the thickening agent and provide the deep, sweet base of the sauce.

Can I use butter instead of ghee?

You can, but ghee provides a distinct nuttiness and higher smoke point for browning.

What is the best way to serve this?

Serve over vermicelli rice or with fresh pita to scoop up the onion jam.

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