Spicy Ground Beef and Baharat Seasoning

Spicy Ground Beef and Baharat Seasoning 

Baharat seasoning mix: 
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground caraway

Spicy ground beef:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large sweet onion, minced
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 1/4-pound ground beef (85/15)
1 can (14.5 oz.) petite dice tomatoes
2 teaspoons Baharat Seasoning (above)
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
6-8 whole Romaine Lettuce leaves
Greek yogurt for serving, if desired

Baharat Seasoning: Mix together the ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cardamom, ground caraway, and turmeric with enough tepid water to make a paste; set aside. Note: Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to a creamy paste.

Spicy ground beef:

1.     Heat the oil in a heavy frying pan over medium heat, add the onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the seasoned onions from the pan. Transfer to a bowl. Do not wipe the pan clean.

2.     Add the ground beef to the pan and increase heat to medium-high. Cook the beef, breaking it apart until the meat is cooked through and nicely browned.

3.     Add the canned tomatoes with juice. Cook 5 minutes. Add the seasoned onions. Let simmer about 15 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the tomatoes are well-softened. Stir in the Baharat seasoning and cook 2-3 minutes more.

4.     Turn off the heat; add the chopped cilantro and mint. Serve the spicy meat in lettuce leaves. Top with a dollop Greek yogurt if desired. You can also serve on Pita bread.

Spicy Ground Beef Baharat Seasoning in Lettuce Leaves

Baharat is a Middle Eastern blend of warming spices using spices that you probably already have in your pantry, creating a whole new unique dinner. Depending on the area of the Middle East there can be some variation of the spices. I added Baharat seasoning to browned ground beef and simmered with tomatoes for a simple yet exotic preparation. Once cooked you can place atop of lettuce leaf or pita bread with a dollop of yogurt.

 

 

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Spice It Up Tzatziki

Tzatziki spices and Feta 

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek dish using thick Greek Yogurt and refreshing cucumbers. There are some variants of this recipe depending on the region of Greece. It is usually served as an accompaniment with gyros, kebabs, or pita bread. I created my own version because that’s what I like to do with recipes that interest me.  Since I love hummus so much, I used spices that I thought would go well with my version of Tzatziki. I served it with grilled Italian meatballs and grilled peppers and onions.  Ottimo we say in Italian!

3 small Persian cucumbers, divided

1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt, strained

1 large clove garlic, mashed and minced

Pinch Sea salt

Black pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes to taste

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons minced fennel greens (or fresh dill)

1-2 ounces Greek feta, cut in small cubes

Ground coriander for decoration

Ground cumin for decoration

Ground paprika for decoration  

The cucumber: Finely chop 2 cucumbers, no need to remove the skin. Transfer to a sieve, sprinkle with sea salt, and allow to drain about an hour in a bowl.  After an hour push down with a spatula to squeeze out any additional excess liquid.

Note: I used small Persian cucumbers because they have much fewer seeds and are tastier. You can also drink the cucumber juice, no need to throw it away.

The Yogurt: Place the yogurt in a small sieve over another bowl and allow to drain about an hour in the bowl.

Note: I used grass fed full-fat Greek Yogurt, more delicious!

Combine: in a larger bowl, combine the cucumbers, yogurt, minced herb, garlic, a tablespoon of olive oil, tiny pinch of salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes; mix well. Refrigerate for a few hours so the flavors will combine well.

Serve: Transfer the tzatziki to a round bowl, not too deep. Add a few kalamata olive in the center of the dish.  Then thinly slice 1 cucumber and place around the bowl. Add feta pieces on top, and sprinkle the top with paprika, cumin, and coriander. Lastly, adorn with a thread of excellent olive oil to finish the dish. 

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Stuffed Fresh Lemons with Feta and Cucumber

1 English cucumber, partially peeled and small dice

6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Sea salt

White pepper

Red pepper flakes

7 ounces Greek yogurt, strained overnight 

2-3 teaspoons minced fresh mint or dill, more for topping

Juice of ½ lemon or to taste

3 large organic lemons cut in half lengthwise

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil

In a bowl, add the cucumber, feta, season with salt and peppers. Add the yogurt, herb, and lemon juice to taste. Mix well, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.  Add a drizzle of olive oil and taste again. Refrigerate.

With a small paring knife remove pulp of the lemons being careful not to remove the white part of the lemon.

Fill the lemons with the cold mixture. Add a pinch or two of the fresh herb on top, a drizzle of olive oil and serve. 

No need for fancy containers, lemons make a great presentation when stuffed with this recipe, shrimp, crab, egg or tuna salad. Stuffed lemons can be made ahead and refrigerated.  Drizzle the olive oil right before serving, and top with fresh herb or toasted crumbled nuts on top.  Enjoy!!!

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Grilled Grape Leaves Goat Cheese and Almonds

grapes on a vine

Grilled Stuffed Grape Leaves Goat Cheese and Almonds 

10-12 grape leaves from a jar                                                                                   

½ teaspoon dried thyme                                                                  

½ teaspoon dried rosemary                                                             

1/3 cup toasted chopped almonds

6 ounces goat, cold

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Aged balsamic for drizzling

Remove the grape leaves from the jar. Arrange them so they are not stacked on top of each other. Alternate position with leaves so that when you place them in the pan they are loose and they will cook evenly. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil.  Add the grape leaves; blanch for 30 seconds and drain. Throw the water away and add fresh water to the pan. Blanch the leaves a second time in boiling water. Drain again. Gently spread the leaves on a work surface over a kitchen towel, vein side up to cool. .  Pat dry and cut off stems.

Heat a stovetop grill on medium.

In a shallow dish, combine the thyme, rosemary, goat cheese, and pepper; combine. Take a tablespoon of mixture and roll into a small log.  Coat logs with chopped almonds and set in the center of each grape leaf.  Remember the rough side is where the stuffing goes; shiny side is on the outside for grilling.

Drizzle each leave with a thread of olive oil and then begin to wrap them into a log.  Lightly brush the outside of grape leaf packages with olive oil. Grill each one about two minutes per side. The leaves should be crispy on the outside and the cheese slightly melted on the inside. When ready, drizzle some balsamic vinegar on top and serve with a yogurt or tahini sauce.

Grape Leaf

I love the traditional Greek rice and meat stuffed grape leaves, they are usually served as a meze.  They are delicious yet a little more time consuming.  I wanted to see how they would taste if I grilled them.  Then I took another short cut and used cheese, almonds and so herbs without worrying about cooking the stuffing.  I have made them in several cooking classes and they have been well received.  Give it a try, fill them will other cheeses if you like. 

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Yogurt Carrot Sauce, No Mayo Required!

Yogurt Carrot Dip-Sauce

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 medium whole carrots, cleaned and coarsely grated
1 large onion, peeled and coarsely grated
3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1/4 teaspoon Harissa sauce
1 large container Greek yogurt, strained overnight in refrigerator
Pinch salt & black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika

In a large skillet warm the oil on medium heat.  When hot, add the grated carrots, onion; cook 7-10 minutes or until soft and somewhat golden. Add the garlic and cook about a minute. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin and pepper flakes. Cook about a minute.  Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. You can add more spices to taste.

While still in the skillet, smash the mixture with a spatula. By smashed the mixture it will become creamier and more flavorful when added to the yogurt. When ready, add this warm mixture in a bowl with the yogurt and mix well. decorate with paprika and black olives.

Organic carrots fresh from the farm

This colorful carrot sauce/dip is a classic Turkish easy to make recipe.  Serve with pita bread, cucumbers, meats, and fish. Serve with grilled bread, other meze dishes, or as a side dish for grilled meat and fish. 

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Ground Beef Skewers with Yogurt Mint Sauce

 

Beef Skewers

1 pound ground beef (80-90% lean)                

1 large sweet onion, grated  

3 large garlic cloves, finely minced                                      

Pinch red pepper flakes (or two)

2 teaspoons dried oregano                

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon paprika

2-3 tablespoons finely minced Italian parsley                                                           

Kosher salt and black pepper

1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 lemon, cut into 6-8 slices

Soak 12-14 wooden skewers in water for at least an hour if using outdoor grill. If using an indoor top stove grill, it is not necessary to soak skewers.

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients.  Take about a teaspoon of meat mixer and cook in a small skillet.  When ready, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Take about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture and shape into small sausages like shapes. Wrap around skewers, making sure that all skewers are about the same size.  Brush the outside of each skewer lightly with oil.

Grill or cook in large skillet until the beef is nicely golden brown on all sides.  Serve with fresh lemons and yogurt sauce.

Fresh Lemon

Yogurt Mint Sauce

2 cups plain or Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons finely minced fresh mint

1 medium shallot, finely minced                                                                   

Kosher salt and black pepper

Drizzle olive oil       

                                                                           

Strain the yogurt in cheese cloth or an extra fine strainer over a bowl.  Strain overnight to remove any excess liquid.

Straining the yogurt

When the yogurt is strained, add all remaining ingredients. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. When ready, chill for a few hours for best flavor. 

Fresh Mint

These skewers can be made with chicken, turkey, beef, pork, as well as beef. The yogurt sauce can be served independently with pita bread, with skewers, with cooked seafood. Both recipes are very versatile.  You can create many dishes by simple changing a few ingredients. 

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