A Traditional Egyptian Beef Stew with Caramelized Onions & Spices
Kabab Hala is a beloved Egyptian home-style dish, made by slowly cooking tender beef cubes with onions, garlic, and warm spices. Unlike grilled kebabs, Kabab Hala is braised on the stovetop, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat infused with deep, aromatic flavors.
It’s commonly served with Egyptian rice (roz sa'idi) or fresh pita bread, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
🕑 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
🥩 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 500g beef (cubed, boneless – preferably chuck or shoulder)
- 3 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
- 1 cup water or beef broth
Spices:
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom (ground or whole pods)
- ½ tsp cumin (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 bay leaf (optional, for extra aroma)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
1️⃣ Heat butter or oil in a deep pot over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 2: Add Onions & Garlic
3️⃣ Add sliced onions and stir well. Cook until onions soften and start caramelizing (10-12 minutes).
4️⃣ Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices & Simmer
5️⃣ Sprinkle salt, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf over the beef and onions.
6️⃣ Pour in 1 cup of water or beef broth, stir, and cover.
7️⃣ Reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
8️⃣ Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
9️⃣ Serve hot with Egyptian rice (roz maamar), pita bread, or couscous.
💡 Tips for the Best Kabab Hala
✅ Use good-quality beef: Choose chuck, shoulder, or brisket for the best tenderness.
✅ Low & slow cooking: Simmering on low heat ensures juicy and soft meat.
✅ For extra richness: Add a splash of tomato sauce or a spoon of ghee for deeper flavors.
✅ Serve with sides: Goes perfectly with pickled vegetables and tahini sauce.
🍽️ What to Serve with Kabab Hala?
- Egyptian white rice (Roz sa’idi)
- Baladi bread (Pita bread)
- Pickled vegetables (Torshi)
- Tahini sauce or yogurt dip
🌟 Enjoy Your Authentic Egyptian Kabab Hala! 🇪🇬🍖🔥
This dish is a true taste of Egyptian home cooking – hearty, simple, and bursting with flavor. Let me know if you try it! 😃
