BURGHUL BI DFEEN

Burghul bi dfeen is an authentic Lebanese recipe based on cracked wheat "burghul", meat, added to the chickpeas, the pearl onions and the blend of cumin with allspice together which give it a distinctive taste. It is simple, healthy and nourishing especially with yogurt aside. I get surprised when my grand children ask for burghul bi dfeen and it is my pleasure to prepare this amazing dish for them.

Prep. time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 55 mins

Serves: 6 to 7

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups of coarse burghul "cracked wheat"

400 grams of chunk beef

6 to 8 small or pearl onions already peeled

one medium onion chopped into large pieces

2 cinnamon sticks

2 cups of cooked chickpeas

11/2 tsp. salt or as desire

1/2 tsp.cumin

1/2 tsp. allspice

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp. oil

1 tbsp.butter

PREPARATION: In a cooking pot heat 1 tbsp. of oil, fry the meat over medium heat until done, seasoning with a bit of salt and allspice. Add the chopped onion and stir all together for few mins. Now pour around 8 cups of water, salt and the cinnamon sticks, cover and when it comes to boil, let it simmer over low heat for 35 to 40 mins. or until the meat is tender.

Meanwhile heat the rest of the oil in another pot, add the whole peeled onions and saute until light golden, set aside. In the same pot fry the washed and drained burghul for few mins. then add the meat broth. make sure that you put the whole non drained mixture, measuring 5 cups of broth. Add the chick peas, the whole onions, the allspice, the cumin and the butter. When it gets to boil again, let it simmer over low heat for 20 to 25 mins.

Serve it hot aside with yogurt, it is healthy, delicious and quick to prepare. Give it a try and you won't regret.

Bon appetit !!!