SWEET-AND-SOUR BEEF STEW (LAHMEH FIL MEHLEH)

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Sweet-and-Sour Beef Stew (Lahmeh Fil Mehleh) image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 2h15m

Yield 8 - 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds moderately lean (85 percent) ground chuck
2 teaspoons allspice
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 medium onions, peeled and quartered
4 large waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into eighths
12 ounces pitted prunes
1 large eggplant, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch slices
2 6-ounce cans tomato paste
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tamarind paste (see note above)
Syrian rice for serving (see recipe)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the chuck, allspice, cinnamon, 1 1/4 teaspoons of the salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and use your hands to mix it well.
  • Pour the oil into the bottom of a heavy, 6-quart ovenproof casserole or Dutch oven and place half the onions in the bottom. Place half of the meat over the onions, pressing it down very firmly with your hands. Scatter half the potatoes, prunes and eggplant over the top of the meat. Add the remaining onions to the pot and press the remaining meat over the top of the onions. Scatter the remaining potatoes, prunes and eggplant over the meat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the tomato paste, 2 1/2 cups of water, sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, tamarind, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and mix until smooth. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables.
  • Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Adjust the heat so that the mixture cooks at a strong simmer. Cook until the sauce is thick and the potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 2 hours. (The dish is often better if prepared a day in advance, refrigerated and reheated in a 350-degree oven before serving.) Season the stew to taste with salt and pepper and serve with Syrian rice.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 397, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 745 milligrams, Sugar 27 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Mr Man
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This recipe is a keeper! The beef was fall-apart tender, and the sauce was perfectly balanced. I loved the addition of the cinnamon and nutmeg; it gave the dish a unique and delicious flavor. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'


Khalida Rana
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I'm so glad I found this recipe! The beef was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfectly sweet and sour. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again.


Riaz Amani
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This was my first time making this recipe, and it turned out great! The beef was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfectly sweet and sour. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again.


Zayneb Gr
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I've tried many sweet and sour beef stew recipes, but this one is by far the best. The beef is always tender and flavorful, and the sauce is perfectly balanced. I love the addition of the cinnamon and nutmeg; it gives the dish a unique and delicious


Mohd amir Shaikh
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This recipe is a family favorite! The beef is always tender and flavorful, and the sauce is perfectly sweet and sour. I love serving it over rice or noodles.


Ali Tanoli
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I made this recipe for a potluck, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the tender beef and the flavorful sauce. I'll definitely be making this again.


Moses Svinurai
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This was a great recipe! The beef was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfectly sweet and sour. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again.


Gift Vany
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This recipe is a keeper! The beef was fall-apart tender, and the sauce was perfectly balanced. I loved the addition of the cinnamon and nutmeg; it gave the dish a unique and delicious flavor. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'


M “Sparkler” M
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I'm so glad I found this recipe! The beef was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfectly sweet and sour. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again.


Janzaib Ali
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This was my first time making this recipe, and it turned out great! The beef was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfectly sweet and sour. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again.


Craig Daffern
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I've tried many sweet and sour beef stew recipes, but this one is by far the best. The beef is always tender and flavorful, and the sauce is perfectly balanced. I love the addition of the cinnamon and nutmeg; it gives the dish a unique and delicious


Ayesha Fashion
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This recipe is a family favorite! The beef is always tender and flavorful, and the sauce is perfectly sweet and sour. I love serving it over rice or noodles.


jhoy Anobar
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I made this recipe for a potluck, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the tender beef and the flavorful sauce. I'll definitely be making this again.


Elan Slimani
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This was a great recipe! The beef was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfectly sweet and sour. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again.


ISD Miraz
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This recipe is a keeper! The beef was fall-apart tender, and the sauce was perfectly balanced. I loved the addition of the cinnamon and nutmeg; it gave the dish a unique and delicious flavor. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'


Mamello Lesabe
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This was a delicious and easy recipe to follow. The beef was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfectly sweet and sour. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this again.


Gae Mathew
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I've made this recipe several times, and it's always a hit. The beef is always tender and flavorful, and the sauce is perfectly balanced. I love the addition of the cinnamon and nutmeg; it gives the dish a unique and delicious flavor. I usually serve


Ashishjung Chettri
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This was my first time making sweet and sour beef stew, and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow, and the ingredients were easy to find. The beef was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was perfectly sweet and sour. I served it over ric


Musa James Omeiza
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make, and the results are always delicious. The beef is always tender and flavorful, and the sauce is sweet and tangy. I often add some chopped vegetables to the stew, such as carrots, celery, and onions. It's a gr


Daria Isaenko
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This sweet and sour beef stew is a winner! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the beef is fall-apart tender. I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out amazing. I served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be mak