Authentic Egyptian Kabab Hala (Braised Beef with Onions)
Kabab Hala is a beloved Egyptian stew featuring tender cubes of beef slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy made primarily from caramelized onions. This comforting dish is perfect served with rice or Egyptian baladi bread.
Ingredients
- •1 pound beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
- •2 large yellow onions (about 1.5 pounds), thinly sliced
- •2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or ghee)
- •1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- •1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- •1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- •1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1 cup hot water or beef broth, plus more as needed
- •Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Dietary Info
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season the beef generously with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- 2
Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear the beef until well browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- 3
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the thinly sliced onions to the same pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the dish.
- 4
Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot with the caramelized onions. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, allspice, cardamom, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine.
- 5
Step 5: Pour in 1 cup of hot water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it braise for 60-75 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender. Check periodically and add a splash more hot water or broth if the liquid reduces too much and the stew starts to dry out.
- 6
Step 6: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
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