Yemeni Meat Mutabbaq – Recipe and Cooking Method

Yemeni Meat Mutabbaq – Recipe and Cooking Method

Yemeni meat mutabbaq is a delicious and savory dish from the heart of traditional Yemeni cuisine. It is commonly served at lunchtime and has become a staple not only in Yemen but also in several neighboring Gulf countries, where it has earned its place among beloved main dishes.

This dish is known for its rich flavor and nutritional value. It provides the body with essential energy and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Ingredients for Serving Six People:

 

For the Dough:

• Four cups of flour

• Two cups of water

• Half a cup of melted butter

• Two teaspoons of salt

• Two eggs, beaten

For the Meat Filling:

• Half a kilogram of minced lamb

• Three finely chopped onions

• Three cloves of garlic, minced

• Two chopped tomatoes

• Six eggs

• Two stalks of green onions

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• A small cup of chopped coriander

• A quarter cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

• One teaspoon of cumin

• Four tablespoons of butter

For Brushing the Surface:

• Two tablespoons of butter

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, melted butter, salt, and beaten eggs. Knead until you get a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and leave it in a warm place to rise for about two hours.

While the dough is rising, prepare the meat filling. In a pan, melt the butter, then sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Add the garlic, followed by the minced lamb. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked.

Then add the tomatoes, eggs, green onions, salt, black pepper, chopped coriander, and cumin. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for around 20 minutes. Finally, add the mozzarella cheese and stir for another minute. Remove the filling from heat and allow it to cool.

Once the dough has risen, divide it into small equal-sized balls. Roll out each ball into a thin rectangular sheet. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center, then fold the dough from all sides to seal it tightly. Repeat until you’ve used all the dough and filling. Brush the top of each parcel with melted butter.

In a large skillet, melt a bit of butter and fry each mutabbaq piece until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the heat, place on serving plates, and enjoy the rich, savory flavor with your family.