Lebanese Peas and Carrots Stew

Lebanese Peas and Carrots Stew

Lebanese Peas and Carrots Stew

In Arabic cultures, beef stews are quite popular. This recipe is a Lebanese stew called bazella w riz: “peas and rice”. Beef stew meat is browned, then stewed with onions, garlic, peas, and carrots in a tomato based sauce. The stew is served over Lebanese rice with warm pita.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese
Keyword: Beef, Lebanese, main course, Western Asian
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Lebanese 7 spice
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup carrots diced

Instructions

  • Heat up cooking oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sauté the beef for 5 minutes; seasoning with the 7 spice, salt and pepper. Remove from the pan.
    Lebanese, main course, beef
  • Add in the onions, garlic, and cilantro. Sauté for 3 minutes.
    Lebanese, main course, beef
  • Add the tomato sauce, water, beef, peas, and carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
    Lebanese, main course, beef
  • The liquid should reduce to less than half the amount.
    Lebanese, main course, beef
Lebanese, main course, beef
Serve the stew with Lebanese rice and warm pita.

Lebanese Rice

Rice with fine vermicelli noodles didn’t start in San Francisco. This style of rice is a staple in the Arabic world; eaten with most meals. The base of this recipe is only 3 ingredients: rice, vermicelli, and olive oil. Additions of cinnamon and parsley enhance the flavor. Sometimes you will find almonds or pine nuts used as a garnish.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Lebanese
Keyword: Lebanese, rice, side dish, vegan, Western Asian
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry vermicelli
  • 2 cups basmati rice washed
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Heat up cooking oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté the vermicelli for 3 minutes until browned.
    Lebanese, side dish, rice
  • Add in the rice. Sauté for 5 minutes. Season with salt and cinnamon.
    Lebanese, side dish, rice
  • Pour in the water. Bring to a boil.
    Lebanese, side dish, rice
  • Cover. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
    Lebanese, side dish, rice
Lebanese, side dish, rice