baharat  spiced  beef  with  couscous

This is one of my modified Pinterest finds that happens to be one of my new found favorites. The most complex thing about this dish is the varying degrees of flavor. The small hints of cinnamon and cardamom combined with bursts of fresh mint & cilantro always leaves me wanting more every time.

Makes 3-4 servings\\

Baharat Seasoning
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
2 teaspoons of ground tumeric
1 teaspoon of ground cardamom (or 3 cardamom seeds blended in a spice grinder)
1 teaspoon of ground caraway (or 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds blended in a spice grinder)
1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 & 1/2 teaspoons of salt
1/4 teaspoon of spicy ground red chili or cayenne (optional if you want a little heat)

Additions
1 lb of ground sirloin
1 teaspoon of fresh ground ginger
3-4 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 can of diced tomatoes (15 oz)
1 box of cous cous (5 min option)

Garnishes
3/4 cup of plain or greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves (sliced thinly)
2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro leaves (sliced thinly)

Let's start off with the Baharat seasoning. I combined all of the spices, cardamom & caraway seeds in a spice grinder. The first time I made this dish I was amazed by the scent of this spice blend. Set it aside and work on the additions.

Finely chop the garlic and the onion.

Grate or finely chop the fresh ginger and make sure you have the diced tomatoes ready.

In a few drizzles of olive oil sauté the onions on medium heat for a few minutes then add in the ginger and garlic.

Now add in the ground sirloin breaking up the meat as it cooks. Now you can add in the Baharat seasoning. Stir to combine.

Now add in the stewed diced tomatoes and the hot chili powder if you like a little heat. Stir to combine and let the beef mixture simmer on low to medium heat for about 15-20 minutes.

While the beef simmers you can prepare the cous cous. I am using a quick 5 minute version. Once it is done gently fluff the cous cous with a fork so that no chunks form. Grab the yogurt and slice the cilantro and mint leaves thinly.

Place some of the cous cous into a bowl and place some of the Baharat beef on top. Add a small dollop of the yogurt along with the fresh mint and cilantro leaves.

Dig in......it's delicious