Tajine El Bey – Ingredients and Preparation of One of Tunisia's Finest Dishes

Tajine El Bey – Ingredients and Preparation of One of Tunisia's Finest Dishes

Tajine El Bey is a traditional Tunisian dish, part of the Maghrebi Mediterranean cuisine, renowned for its richness and diverse influences from various cultures. Its name is said to date back to the Bey era, as it was often served to the country’s elites and dignitaries. Another theory suggests the name reflects its elegant appearance, with its distinctive three-layer structure often garnished with dried fruits.

Ingredients:

• 700g minced meat
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 bunches of chopped spinach
• 14 eggs
• 350g ricotta cheese
• 150g grated cheese
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of spices (Tunisian mixed spices)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Olive oil
• A pinch of black pepper
• A pinch of salt

How to Prepare Tajine El Bey:

This type of tajine consists of three distinct layers. We begin by preparing the bottom minced meat layer:

1. Prepare the Minced Meat Layer: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add the minced meat, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Continue stirring occasionally until the meat is fully cooked, then transfer it to a plate to cool.

2. Mix with Eggs and Cheese: In a bowl, combine the cooked meat with 6 beaten eggs and ⅓ of the grated cheese.

3. Bake the First Layer: Grease the baking tray with olive oil or melted butter, spread the meat mixture evenly, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. Prepare the Middle Spinach Layer: In the same skillet, melt some butter over medium heat, add the chopped spinach, and sauté. Season with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until wilted, then transfer to a plate to cool.

5. Mix with Eggs and Cheese: Beat 4 eggs in a bowl, add the cooked spinach, and mix with another ⅓ of the grated cheese.

6. Bake the Second Layer: Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the meat layer in the baking tray and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

7. Prepare the Top Ricotta Layer: In a deep bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of black pepper and salt. Separate the whites from 4 eggs, beat the egg whites until fluffy, and fold in the remaining grated cheese.

8. Bake the Final Layer: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spinach layer, and return the tray to the oven. Bake at moderate heat until fully set and cooked through.

9. Serve: Once baked, remove the Tajine El Bey from the oven, cut into desired portions, and serve.

Enjoy the rich, layered flavors of this Tunisian classic, perfect for any occasion!