Libyan Mbattan | Meat Stuffed Potatoes

Libyan Mbattan: Meat-Stuffed Potatoes

Libyan Mbattan is a delectable traditional dish from Libya, featuring potatoes stuffed with a savory ground beef mixture, encased in a crispy flour and egg wash coating, and deep-fried to perfection. It's perfect as a main course, hearty appetizer, or side dish, bringing the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

🥔 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled
🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
🌿 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
🥩 1 lb ground beef
🍅 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste
🌶️ 1-2 tablespoons Middle Eastern spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper)
🥣 1 cup seasoned flour
🥚 2 large eggs
🛢️ 3-4 cups cooking oil

Instructions

1- Prepare the Meat Filling:

Finely chop the onions and parsley using a Breville food processor.
Transfer the chopped onion and parsley into a metal mixing bowl with the ground beef.
Add the tomato paste and Middle Eastern spices to the mixture. Blend thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.

2- Prepare the Potatoes:

Peel the potatoes and use a chef's knife to make the first cut half an inch deep, not cutting through.
Make a second slice three-fourths of the way through, parallel to the first.
Complete with a third slice another half inch from the second, cutting all the way through to create a pocket.
Open each potato pocket and fill it generously with the meat mixture, ensuring it’s well-contained.

3- Dredge the Potatoes:

Fill two small, unbranded bowls: one black with seasoned flour, the other white with egg wash.
Dip the stuffed potato edges into the flour, then into the egg wash, and again into the flour for a double coat.

4- Deep Fry:

In a deep, black frying pan, heat the oil to about 325°F (163°C).
Carefully place prepared potatoes into the hot oil using a metal spider strainer.
Fry for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
Use the strainer to remove potatoes, setting them on a metal wire rack over a baking sheet to drain.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 350-400
Proteins: 20-25g
Fats: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Equipment: Breville food processor, metal mixing bowl, chef's knife, unbranded black and white bowls, metal spider strainer, metal wire rack, baking sheet