Authentic Tepsi Baytinijan Recipe: A Taste of Traditional Iraqi Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 2 large aubergines
  • 2 large potatoes
  • 2 large tomatoes
  • 1 large onion
  • 500 grams of ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of allspice
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Peel the aubergines, potatoes, and onion. Slice them along with the tomatoes into round slices.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, turmeric, allspice, black pepper, salt, and half of the chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed in the meat.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the aubergine, potato, and onion slices in the oil until they are golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until it is well browned and cooked through.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with the water until fully combined.
  7. Arrange the aubergine, potato, tomato, and onion slices in a large baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef over the vegetables.
  8. Pour the tomato paste and water mixture evenly over the vegetables and meat in the baking dish.
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until all the vegetables are cooked through and the flavors are well combined.
  10. Remove the baking dish from the oven, uncover, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley on top just before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - To slice and prepare the vegetables
  • Knife - To cut and chop the vegetables and meat
  • Skillet - To cook the aubergines, potatoes, onions, and ground beef
  • Large mixing bowl - To mix the ground beef with the spices
  • Small bowl - To mix the tomato paste with water
  • Baking dish - To assemble and bake the Tepsi Baytinijan
  • Aluminum foil - To cover the baking dish while baking

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a meat-free option.
  • Spicy Variation: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for an extra kick.
  • Cheesy Variation: Sprinkle grated cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, on top of the dish before baking for a cheesy twist.
  • Mediterranean Variation: Replace the ground beef with ground lamb and add some minced garlic, oregano, and cinnamon to the meat mixture for a Mediterranean flavor.
  • Herb Variation: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the vegetable and meat layers for added fragrance and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute the regular flour in the tomato paste mixture with a gluten-free flour like almond flour or rice flour.
  • Vegan Variation: Omit the meat altogether and use a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Crunchy Variation: After baking, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes on top and broil for a few minutes to create a crispy crust.
  • Spiced Variation: Experiment with different spices and seasonings like cumin, paprika, or curry powder to customize the flavors to your preferences.
  • Layered Variation: Instead of arranging the vegetables and meat in a single layer, create multiple layers by repeating the arrangement to add more depth to the dish.

Recipe overview

This vibrant recipe for Tepsi Baytinijan, a popular Middle Eastern layered bake, is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. An assortment of aubergine (eggplant), potatoes, tomatoes, and onions is artfully layered together with rich, spiced ground beef. The dish is then baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together into a gratifying feast. The added tomato paste provides a tangy undertone, balanced by the earthiness of turmeric and allspice. A sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving adds both color and a fresh, herbaceous note. This dish is a true celebration of simple ingredients combined to create a deeply satisfying meal. Whether served as a main course or a hearty side, Tepsi Baytinijan promises to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Tepsi Baytinijan?
    The total time required to make Tepsi Baytinijan is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  2. Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef?
    Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground lamb if you prefer. It will add a slightly different flavor to the dish.
  3. Can I make Tepsi Baytinijan ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in the oven until heated through.
  4. What can I serve with Tepsi Baytinijan?
    Tepsi Baytinijan is often served with rice pilaf or Arabic bread. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of Tepsi Baytinijan. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and label it with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  6. Can I adjust the spices to my taste?
    Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amounts listed in the recipe to suit your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Dish - A large baking dish to cook and serve the Tepsi Baytinijan.
  • Skillet - A large skillet to cook the vegetables and ground beef.
  • Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl to combine the ground beef with spices and parsley.
  • Aluminum Foil - To cover the baking dish while baking.
  • Small Bowl - To mix the tomato paste with water.
  • Knife - To slice the aubergines, potatoes, tomatoes, and onion.
  • Cutting Board - To safely cut and prepare the vegetables.
  • Oven - To bake the Tepsi Baytinijan.

Origin stories

Tepsi Baytinijan, a wonderfully fragrant dish, has its roots steeped in the fertile crescent of Mesopotamia - modern day Iraq. This classic dish, savoured by Iraqis for generations, is a testament to the simplicity and resourcefulness of traditional Iraqi cuisine. The dish is named after the tray or 'Tepsi' in which it is cooked, and 'Baytinijan' is the Arabic word for eggplant. This richly layered bake, with its robust flavours, was originally created by Iraqi housewives who had limited ingredients at their disposal. Yet, their culinary genius turned these humble ingredients into a gastronomic masterpiece, which is now a beloved comfort food not just in Iraq but around the world. It's a tribute to the soul of Iraqi cuisine, where the harmonious blend of spices and vegetables creates a symphony of flavours that is truly mesmerizing.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.