Siniyeh isn't just a dish, it's an experience. Forget dry casseroles – siniyeh is a symphony of layered meat, fluffy potatoes, and juicy tomatoes, all bathed in a creamy tahini sauce and baked to golden perfection. Imagine warmth, comfort, and a taste that lingers long after the last bite.
This versatile dish has a rich history. The namesake siniyeh, a round, shallow dish, lends its name to this culinary tradition, whether cooked in the oven or on the stovetop.
Two popular variations were siniyeh kebab and siniyeh kufta, both featuring ground meat nestled amongst vegetables and a vibrant sauce. For Jewish communities, "siniyeh" has become synonymous with this comforting baked casserole usually with ground lamb.
So ditch the etymology lesson and grab your favorite baking dish. Siniyeh is a delicious journey through the Middle East, waiting to be savored.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 2 onions chopped
- 2 pounds quality ground meat 900 g mixed with 3 ½ ounces lamb fat (100 g)
- 1 teaspoon ras el hanout
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sumac optional
- 2 large potatoes boiled in water until just able to slice, not too soft, and slice ½-inch thick slices 1 large tomato sliced into ½-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons tahini paste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup water
- Garnish: chopped parsley pine nuts, pomegranate syrup
Nutritional Facts
Instructions
- In a large saute pan, heat oil until hot. Add onion and cook a few minutes until beginning to brown. Add meat, ras el hangout, paprika, turmeric, white pepper, salt and sumac. Mix and saute well until meat is crumbled and cooked.
- Remove meat from pan and add sliced potatoes, brown on both sides. Using a flat open baking dish, layer the browned potatoes, add meat, and arrange tomato slices.
- Combine tahini with lemon juice, water and pinch of salt if desired. Mix well, adding water if needed to thin out. Pour sauce over casserole so the dish is swimming in sauce.
- Preheat oven to 350℉/180℃. Place casserole in oven and bake for about 1 hour. When tahini crusts over a bit, the dish is ready.
- Sprinkle pine nuts and chopped parsley and drizzle pomegranate syrup over top. Enjoy hot.
Video
how much in a serving? or is that for the whole casserole?
Seem like too many calories for one serving
You are correct. It should be 6 servings it has been updated