Entree: Libya – Libyan Tajine (Baked savory meat-and-egg casserole often containing pasta and cheese)
Serving Size: 6
Approximate Time
Prep
25 min
Cook
40 min
Additional
10 min
Total
1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb
- 6 large eggs, approx. 300 g
- 8 oz (225 g) dried spaghetti
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, about 6 oz (170 g), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) harissa paste (optional)
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 cup (100 g) grated kashkaval or mild cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup (35 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (15 g) chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cup (35 g) pitted green olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil or additional olive oil for the pan
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until just al dente according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the ground lamb and brown, breaking it up, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, harissa (if using), cumin, coriander, turmeric and cinnamon. Simmer until thickened, 5–7 minutes. Season with 1 tsp (6 g) salt and 1/2 tsp (1 g) pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley and olives.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 cup (100 g) grated cheese and breadcrumbs until combined. Fold in the drained spaghetti and the lamb mixture until evenly distributed.
5. Brush a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with the remaining oil. Transfer the mixture to the dish, smooth the top, and sprinkle additional grated cheese over the top.
6. Bake for 30–40 minutes until the tajine is set in the center and the top is golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
