Jordanian Mansaf with Spiced Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce

Introduction

In the heart of Jordan’s culinary tradition lies Jordanian Mansaf, a dish that transcends mere sustenance to embody the spirit of hospitality and cultural pride. Traditionally prepared with lamb, this version introduces spiced ground beef, offering a contemporary twist while preserving the essence of the original. The rich, tangy yogurt sauce, known as jameed, combined with aromatic rice and garnished with toasted nuts, creates a symphony of flavors that narrate stories of communal gatherings and cherished heritage.Munaty Cooking+4spoonnspice.com+4Wikipedia+4 Wikipédia, l’encyclopédie libre+6Epicurious+6Wikipedia+6

Why You’ll Love Jordanian Mansaf

This adaptation of Mansaf with spiced ground beef is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The ground beef, infused with a medley of spices, offers a quicker yet equally flavorful alternative to the traditional lamb. Also, the creamy jameed sauce envelops the dish, providing a tangy contrast to the savory meat. Moreover, served over a bed of fragrant rice and garnished with toasted almonds and pine nuts, each bite delivers a taste of Jordanian culture, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or a comforting family meal.spoonnspice.com

Ingredients

For the Spiced Ground Beef:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Yogurt Sauce (Jameed):

1 cup jameed, soaked and blended until smooth
2 cups plain yogurt
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 egg white
Salt to tasteFufu’s Kitchen+8Serious Eats+8cookeatworld.com+8 Epicurious+1Serious Eats+1

And for the Rice:

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp butter
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And for Garnish:

½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
½ cup pine nuts, toasted
Fresh parsley, choppedSerious Eats Middle Eastern Recipes+1spoonnspice.com+1

Necessary Tools

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Rice cooker or pot with lid
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Wooden spoonFood.com

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb or chicken for different flavor profiles.
Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or chickpeas as a meat alternative.
Yogurt Substitute: If jameed is unavailable, use Greek yogurt with a splash of lemon juice for tanginess.
Nut Variations: Also, swap almonds and pine nuts with walnuts or cashews based on preference.Fufu’s Kitchen+8FalasteeniFoodie+8Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker+8

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Later, in a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Then, add rice, turmeric, and salt, stirring to coat the grains.
- Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
Cook the Spiced Ground Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, sautéing until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
- Then, add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Then, season with allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked through.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine jameed, plain yogurt, cornstarch, egg white, and salt.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Then, transfer the mixture to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, ensuring it doesn’t boil.Epicurious
Assemble the Dish:
- On a large serving platter, lay a base of cooked rice.
- Then ,spoon the spiced ground beef over the rice.
- Later, drizzle the warm yogurt sauce generously over the meat and rice.
- Then, garnish with toasted almonds, pine nuts, and chopped parsley.cookeatworld.com+6TwoSleevers+6FalasteeniFoodie+6 Gemma’s Recipes+2Middle Eastern Recipes+2Wikipedia+2

Pro Tips for Success of Jordanian Mansaf

Jameed Preparation: Soak jameed overnight for a smoother sauce consistency.
Yogurt Sauce: Constant stirring prevents the yogurt from curdling during heating.
Rice Texture: Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to prevent clumping.
Flavor Enhancement: Also, toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Serving: Also, serve the dish immediately after assembly to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.Fufu’s Kitchen+8Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker+8Epicurious+8 Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker+2Serious Eats+2cookeatworld.com+2

Serving Suggestions

Pair the Mansaf with a side of fresh salad, such as fattoush or tabbouleh, to add a refreshing contrast.
Also, serve with warm flatbread to scoop up the flavorful components.
Moreover, accompany with pickled vegetables for an added tangy element.

Storing and Reheating Jordanian Mansaf

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Also, gently reheat the rice and meat in a microwave or on the stovetop. Moreover, reheat the yogurt sauce separately over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 650
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQs – Jordanian Mansaf

Q1: Can I use regular yogurt instead of jameed?
A1: Yes, Greek yogurt with a splash of lemon juice can mimic the tanginess of jameed.

Q2: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Of cours, substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Q3: How can I prevent the yogurt sauce from curdling?
A3: Stir the sauce continuously over medium heat and avoid bringing it to a boil.

Q4: What type of rice is best for this recipe?
A4: Basmati rice is preferred for its aromatic flavor and fluffy texture.

Q5: Can I prepare components of the dish in advance?
A5: Yes, the rice and ground beef can be prepared ahead and reheated before assembling the dish.

Conclusion

To sum up, this Jordanian Mansaf with Spiced Ground Beef and Yogurt Sauce offers a delightful fusion of traditional flavors and modern convenience. Also, it’s a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Jordan, bringing people together over a shared love for hearty, flavorful meals. Whether for a festive gathering or a comforting family dinner, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.Munaty Cooking+3The Odehlicious+3Middle Eastern Recipes+3

For a cozy and equally hearty alternative, you might also enjoy this flavorful Beef Barley Soup with Mushrooms, which beautifully balances tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and wholesome barley in every spoonful.