Lebanese Batata Chap

Lebanese Batata Chap

SpiceBreeze
Batata chap has a crisp outer layer made from mashed potatoes and a juicy filling, seasoned with the Lebanese seven spice blend. Originally from France, the recipe for ‘croquettes’ has been adopted by various cultures. Batata chap is a Mediterranean variation hailing from Beirut, Lebanon. The beauty of this recipe is the diverse filling styles one can make. Branch out to fish, cheese, rice, lentils, or beans.
Hands-on Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Lebanese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 2 lb russet potatoes peeled
  • 1.5 cup tomato puree
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic grated or pressed
  • 1 lemon for juice
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 cup starch arrowroot powder or corn
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Optional

  • 0.5 cup pine nuts
  • a fresh salad of your choice

Batata Chap Culinary Spice Kit

  • Allspice, black peppercorn, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, coriander, cloves

Instructions
 

Filling

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry onions and optional nuts for 5 minutes.
  • Add meat, salt to taste, and Batata Chap spices.
  • Stir-fry until the meat is crumbled.
  • Add tomato puree and adjust salt.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Potatoes

  • In a POT, boil potatoes until soft. Drain and mash. Add salt & pepper to taste.
  • When cooled, add eggs and starch. Mix well.

Patties

  • Form little ‘golf balls’.
  • Press each ball as flat as possible and fill it with 1 tsp of meat.
  • Press the dough around the meat until closed.
  • Pat the patties until flat and smooth.
  • Preheat OVEN to 375°F.
  • Place the filled patties on a greased baking sheet.
  • Spray them with oil.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn brown on all sides, turning halfway.

Sauce

  • In a CUP, mix yogurt, garlic, and 1 tsp olive oil. Season with lemon juice and salt to taste.
  • Serve
  • Serve batata chap with the remaining meat sauce, yogurt sauce, and a fresh salad.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute beef with chicken, turkey, or pork.
  • Substitute meat with 2 cups cooked green lentils or black beans. Use Batata Chap spices to taste.
  • Substitute a part of the tomato puree with fresh chopped tomatoes.
  • Instead of baking, fry batata chaps in hot oil
  • Instead of the forming the patties, use a greased baking pan. Spread half of the potato dough on the bottom. Spread the filling on top. Finish with another layer of potato dough. Spray the top with oil.
  • Alternatively, use the Batata Chap spices for Lebanese Pumpkin Kibbeh