Stuffed potatoes (Batata mehshiyeh bel-lahem al-mafrum)

October 25, 2013  •  Category:

One thing the Lebanese Master chefs are known for, is their propensity to stuff veggies. Last time, we stuffed zucchinis (and tiny ones), today we are stuffing perfectly oblong potatoes. Potatoes here are absolutely delicious. I am convinced it is because they are grown nearby. The key here is to pick them about the same size, not too large, so that two stuffed potato could be suitable for one serving; besides it looks prettier. coring potat dupli

stuffed cored pot


stuff with inside

boil stuffed pota dupl

Order of operations: 

1. Peel and core the potatoes.

2. Cook the stuffing and stuff the potatoes. 

3. Fry the stuffed potatoes.

4. Simmer the stuffed potatoes in a tomato-based sauce till done. Serve.

NOTE: To save time, prepare the tomato/onion sauce in advance and prepare the meat stuffing in advance. The potato pulp can be recycled with a potato and egg omelet or fritters or potato pancakes.

INGREDIENTS: 4 servings

8 smallish potatoes

1/2 lb ground meat (I use 1/2 beef and 1/2 lamb)

Spices for the meat: 1 tsp seven-spice mix or a dash of allspice, cinnamon, black pepper and nutmeg

Salt, to taste

oil, as needed

1 lemon, juiced or 1 Tbsp pomegranate molasses

Tomato sauce: 1 large yellow onion, 6 large tomatoes or 1 28-oz can tomatoes, stewed for 30 minutes with salt and pepper. Fry the chopped onion till translucent about 10 minutes, add the chopped tomatoes and spices, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. 

1. Peel and core the potatoes; keep the potato pulp in a bowl for another use. Fry the meat with the spices until browned in a small skillet. Stuff the potatoes with the browned meat and seal the opening of the potato with a piece of cored potato pulp in order to prevent the meat from falling off during the cooking process.

2. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet and brown the stuffed potatoes gently and evenly on all sides. Heat the stewed tomato sauce in a pot and add the potatoes one by one into the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Cool and when ready to serve reheat gently and serve with a rice pilaf if desired.

 

 NOTE: I have been testing this spatula that is supposedly revolutionary; one thing about it definitely got my attention: it can be used in temperatures almost to 500F! It comes in cool, candy, colors. It is very sturdy. I am getting ready to try it on meringue. Will talk about next time if the test is positive. 

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Comments

18 Comments  •  Comments Feed

  1. karin@yumandmore says:

    I am enthralled with these! the stuffing possibilities seem endless. looking forward to trying this recipe 😉

  2. samir says:

    Marhaba Joumana,,, truly a classic…the spiced filling and the tender earthy potatoes and the resulting flavorful sauce.all healthy and filling….my aunt loved making this dish for us when we were kids… .. need to make this again soon!

  3. PJ says:

    That looks fabulous! Love to serve this with rice.I am planning to try this with a vegetarian stuffing 🙂

  4. weavethousandflavors says:

    Joumana dear, You make the most marvelous stuffed foods. What can anyone ask for when it combines potatoes and meat? Lovely lovely comfort food.

    hugs!

    Devaki @ weavethousandflavors

  5. Amy says:

    I’m crazy for mafrum! I had it in the market in Tel Aviv and have been experimenting with recipes ever since.

  6. Alicia (foodycat) says:

    Both the potatoes and zucchini look wonderful! I have some oblong potatoes, so I will give this a go this week!

  7. Kate Zeller says:

    I’ve never thought of stuffing potatoes… I stuff all sorts of vegetables, but never potatoes… Until now. They look delicious…

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  9. Belinda @zomppa says:

    Your food can turn me vegetarian!

  10. Nuts about food says:

    Stuffing vegetables is very common here, from zucchini to peppers to tomatoes, but I have never had a stuffed potato? It looks delicious: what meat and veg does not go well with potatoes, right? And the thought of them soaking up that delicious tomato sauce… mmmh.

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  13. Oui, Chef says:

    Potatoes can be so boring, what a great idea to stuff them.

  14. Priya says:

    Lovely crispy potatoes.I am vegeteraian so has to try a diff stuffing .But you must have a great fun stuffing the potatoes that too locally grown .Really impressive.

    Priya@ MyKitchenOdyssey

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