Kafta Bil Sanieh (pastel de carne kafta y patata)

Ingredientes

• 1 lb ground beef (500g)
• 1 lb ground lamb (500g)
• 1 small onion, grated or pulsed in food processor
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• big handful parsley, chopped
• 3 tsp seven spice or all spice powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1.5-2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• pinch red chili flakes
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, or enough to fill a skillet with 1-2 inches of oil
• 2-3 potatoes, sliced lengthwise
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 large white or yellow onion, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups water
• 3-4 tbsp tomato paste
• pinch seven spices or all spice powder
• 1-2 tbsp pomegranate molasses

Preparación

1. 1

   --- To make the kafta: ---

2. 2

   Add all the ingredients to a large bowl, and mix well until combined. You can use gloved hands or a spoon to mix. I prefer using hands!

3. 3

   Stretch the kafta mixture out in an even layer onto the base of a 9x13 pan.

4. 4

   --- To assemble: ---

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 350 F (180C), with the oven rack in the middle of the oven.

6. 6

   Pre- cook the potatoes. Heat a large skillet with 1-2 inches of vegetable oil it and add the potato slices. Fry for a few minutes a side, until golden brown but not necessarily cooked through. Set aside on to a paper towel lined plate to cool slightly, and pat off any excess oil.

7. 7

   Layer the kafta in the pan with potatoes, tomatoes, then the onion slices.

8. 8

   Prepare your sauce by whisking together the water, tomato paste, seven spices, and pomegranate molasses. Pour the sauce evenly onto the kafta and vegetable layers. It should be enough sauce to totally submerge the meat mixture and cover the potatoes, some tomato and onion slices may be exposed. If the pan isn't saucy enough, you can add a little extra water.

9. 9

   Cover the pan with aluminum foil, and bake for 45-50 minutes. Uncover, and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until meat and vegetables are cooked through (I usually test a little piece of the meat with a fork)