Kawaj – Traditional Middle Eastern Baked Meat & Vegetable Dish

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Kawaj – Traditional Middle Eastern Baked Meat & Vegetable Dish

Kawaj is a rich, protein-packed main dish, considered one of the most delicious and nutritious meals. It is full of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that benefit the body.

This dish not only provides a high protein content from lamb meat but also offers a variety of fresh vegetables that are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. The inclusion of lamb is believed to help protect the body from free radicals, which can contribute to cancer.

Kawaj is flavorful, filling, and wholesome, making it an excellent dish for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients for Kawaj:

Kawaj

 

  • 1 kg lamb meat, cut into medium-sized pieces
  • 1 kg potatoes, peeled and sliced into medium-thick rounds
  • 1 kg eggplant, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 3 tablespoons black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons ground red pepper
  • 3 tablespoons mixed spices
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 6 tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ kg zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 3 onions, chopped into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 kg okra, washed and drained
  • ½ cup finely chopped mint
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 2 green chili peppers, chopped
  • 1 red chili pepper, chopped

How to Prepare Kawaj:

1. Preparing the Vegetables:

  1. Potatoes: Peel, wash, and slice the potatoes into medium-thick rounds.

    • Toss with salt, red pepper, cumin, and coriander and set aside.

  2. Eggplant: Peel and slice into rounds.

  3. Okra & Zucchini:

    • Wash the okra, place it in a colander, and sprinkle with salt.
    • Let it sit in direct sunlight for a short time to reduce moisture.
    • Similarly, slice the zucchini into half-moons, sprinkle with salt, and leave it under the sun.

  4. Onions: Chop one onion finely and set aside. Slice the remaining onions into wedges for layering later.

2. Preparing the Meat Mixture:

  1. In a deep bowl, combine the lamb meat, finely chopped onion, mixed spices, red pepper, black pepper, and coriander.
  2. Massage the seasoning into the meat until well combined.
  3. Wash and finely chop the mint and parsley.
    • Mix ¾ of the parsley into the lamb mixture, reserving the rest for garnish.

3. Assembling the Kawaj Dish:

  1. Prepare the Baking Tray:

    • In a large baking dish, arrange a layer of seasoned potato slices at the base.

  2. Layering the Ingredients:

    • Take a slice of eggplant, place a small portion of the lamb mixture on top, then add a slice of potato.
    • Repeat the process and arrange the stuffed layers neatly in the dish.
    • Scatter zucchini and okra between the layers.
    • Top with tomato slices and onion wedges.

  3. Final Touches:

    • Drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.

4. Baking the Kawaj:

  1. Preheat the oven to moderate heat.
  2. Place the baking dish inside and bake for 1.5 hours.
  3. After 1 hour, drizzle pomegranate molasses over the dish for a tangy, rich flavor.
  4. Continue baking until fully cooked and the flavors are well blended.

Serving the Kawaj:

  • Serve hot alongside a fresh salad or yogurt dip.
  • Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley for added freshness.

Enjoy this delicious and hearty Middle Eastern dish with family and friends! Sahtein! 🍲🔥

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