RECIPES

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Lebanese Basela with Rice


Lebanese Basela with Rice
Cozy beef or lamb mince simmered with warm spices, carrots, peas, and a rich tomato base
Prep
10 mins
Cook
30 mins
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Spice mix
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon all spice / Lebanese 7 spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • A pinch of nutmeg
Main ingredients
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 500 g lean beef mince or lamb mince
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 small carrots, diced
  • 4 tomatoes, blitzed with 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Chopped coriander, for serving
Method
  1. Heat the oil in a large pot on medium high heat and cook the onion until soft, about 4-5 minutes
  2. Add the mince and cook until mostly browned, about 5-7 minutes
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and the spice mix for 30 seconds, or untiil fragrant.
  4. Add the blitzed tomatoes and carrots, then simmer gently for 20 minutes, on low heat
  5. Turn off the heat, stir in the peas, sprinkle with coriander, and serve with rice.
Tips
  • If your tomatoes are not very sweet, add 1/2 teaspoon sugar to balance the acidity
  • For extra richness, simmer 10 minutes longer with the lid slightly ajar
  • Lamb mince makes it deeper and more traditional, beef keeps it lighter
  • Serve with rice, couscous, or warm pita
Storage
  • Store airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if it thickens
  • Freezes well for up to 2 months
Macros (approx)
Calories
400 kcal
Protein
27 g
Carbs
17 g
Fat
23 g
Per serve, based on 4 serves and using lean mince, not including rice. Values are estimates and will vary by brand.

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