Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal (Beef in Rich Onion Sauce)
Lahma bil basal is an Egyptian beef stew. It's made with lots of onions and is good for cold evenings.
The onions make a rich sauce as they cook with the beef.
This is a simple dinner that simmers for a long time.
By Nadia Kovalenko
Posted October 26, 2026Share
Time
Calories
Servings
Difficulty
Description
Lahma bil basal is an Egyptian beef stew. It's made with lots of onions and is good for cold evenings.
The onions make a rich sauce as they cook with the beef.
This is a simple dinner that simmers for a long time.
Quick Tip Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Ingredients 8
1 pound cubed beef stew meat
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 onions, very thinly sliced
2 cubes chicken bouillon
1 bay leaf
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1.5 cups water, or as needed
Instructions
-
1
Cook the beef in butter and canola oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it's lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onions, chicken bouillon, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Pour in water. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the beef is tender and the onions have reduced into a thick sauce, at least 2 hours.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
-
Calories 394 kcal
% Daily Value *
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Total Fat 25g
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Saturated Fat 10g
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Cholesterol 78mg
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Sodium 673mg
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Total Carbohydrate 22g
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Dietary Fiber 4g
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Protein 21g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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