Halabessa

halabessa

Egyptian cuisine is rich and diverse, with a plethora of dishes that are renowned for their flavour, spice, and complexity. One such dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years is Halabessa, a traditional Egyptian stew that is packed with flavour and nuance.

Halabessa is a hearty and satisfying stew that is made with a range of ingredients including chickpeas, onion, and tomato. However, what truly sets this dish apart is the subtle blend of spices that make up the bumbu, or seasoning base. This includes cumin, coriander, allspice, and cinnamon, among other spices, which combine together to create a warm and aromatic flavour that is truly unique.

While Halabessa has been enjoyed in Egypt for generations, its popularity has recently spread to other parts of the world. The dish is now served in many Egyptian and Middle Eastern restaurants, and has become a favourite of adventurous home cooks who are looking to experiment with new and exciting flavours.

The origins of Halabessa can be traced back to the early days of Egyptian cuisine, when traditional stews were made with locally sourced ingredients that were easy to find and cook. Chickpeas, with their high protein and fibre content, were a staple in the Egyptian diet, and were used in a range of dishes including stews and salads.

Over time, Egyptians began to introduce new spices and seasonings to their cooking, and Halabessa emerged as a favourite dish that combined all of these flavours together in one delicious stew. While the bumbu seasoning base is the hallmark of this dish, it is also complemented by the addition of tender chunks of lamb or beef, which add depth and richness to the stew.

As with many traditional Egyptian dishes, Halabessa is not just a meal, but a cultural experience. It is often served in large pots and shared among family and friends, as a way of bringing people together and celebrating the richness and diversity of Egyptian cuisine.

While Halabessa is a hearty and satisfying dish, it is also relatively easy to make, with most of the ingredients readily available in most grocery stores. With a few simple steps, anyone can enjoy the complex and nuanced flavours of this delicious Egyptian stew.

In the following recipe, we will guide you through the steps of making a traditional Egyptian Halabessa, complete with a range of fragrant spices and tender chunks of beef, that will transport you to the streets of Cairo with every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of semolina
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1 tbsp of cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp of dry coriander
  • 1 tbsp of dry parsley
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  • 2 cups of boiling water

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina, flour, salt, cumin, coriander, and parsley. Mix well.

  2. Add vegetable oil into the dry ingredients, and mix thoroughly using your fingers, until the mixture resembles crumbly sand.

  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  4. Pour the boiling water over the dry ingredients, and mix well using a wooden spoon until everything is well-combined.

  5. The dough will be thick and sticky. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

  6. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with some vegetable oil.

  7. Using a wet spoon, transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, and spread it evenly.

  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

  9. Remove from the oven, and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.

  10. Cut the Halabessa into small squares or diamond shapes, and serve it hot from the oven.

Enjoy the Egyptian Halabessa with some green salad, tahini sauce, and pita bread.