Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups coarse cornmeal
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot, and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, paprika, cumin, and black pepper to the pot, and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Gradually add the coarse cornmeal to the pot, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Reduce the heat to low, and continue to stir the mixture until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Remove the pot from the heat, and let the qarta cool for a few minutes.
8. Using a spoon or your hands, shape the qarta into small balls or patties.
9. Serve the qarta warm with your favorite side dishes.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing
- Low heat for cooking the qarta
Serving size:
- Makes about 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 300
- Total fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb, chicken, or turkey.
- Coarse cornmeal can be substituted with fine cornmeal or polenta.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
- Use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for convenience.
- Add cooked chickpeas or lentils to the qarta for a vegetarian version.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent lumps from forming in the qarta, gradually add the cornmeal to the pot while stirring constantly.
- If the qarta is too thick, add more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Qarta can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover qarta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the qarta, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the qarta on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
Pairings:
- Qarta pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Tabbouleh salad
- Roasted eggplant
- Hummus and pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the qarta is too thin, continue to cook it over low heat until it thickens.
- If the qarta is too thick, add more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Qarta is a traditional Libyan dish made from cornmeal and various spices. It is often served as a main dish or as an appetizer.
Flavor profiles:
- Qarta has a savory and slightly spicy flavor, with a texture that is soft and slightly grainy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the qarta warm with your favorite side dishes.
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