“Mesh el shaaer,” or “hair mesh,” is a traditional Egyptian dish that combines pasta with a tomato-based sauce. It’s a popular comfort food in Egypt and is typically served as a main dish, especially during Ramadan or other festive occasions. The dish is relatively simple to make and can be customized with various ingredients according to personal preference. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make mesh el shaaer:
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
- 500 grams of spaghetti or vermicelli pasta
- Water for boiling
- Salt (to taste)
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 500 grams of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or canned tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes or hot sauce for added heat
For garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Grated cheese (such as Parmesan or mozzarella)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti or vermicelli pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet along with the tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and add chili flakes or hot sauce if desired for extra heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta with the sauce until it is well coated and heated through. You can add a little pasta cooking water if the mixture seems too dry.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Serve:
- Transfer the mesh el shaaer to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and sprinkle with grated cheese if desired.
- Serve the dish hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to customize the sauce according to your taste preferences. You can add additional spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a more complex flavor profile. Some recipes also incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or eggplant for extra texture and sweetness.
- Protein Options: To make the dish more substantial, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to the sauce. Simply sauté the protein of your choice separately and then add it to the skillet along with the pasta.
- Make it Vegan: Omit the cheese garnish to make this dish vegan-friendly. You can also add some cooked chickpeas, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein for added nutrition.
- Storage and Reheating: Mesh el shaaer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
By following these steps and tips, you can easily prepare a delicious batch of mesh el shaaer to enjoy with your family and friends. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or as part of a festive feast, this Egyptian pasta dish is sure to delight your taste buds with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
More Informations
Mesh el shaaer, often referred to simply as “mesh,” is a classic Egyptian dish that holds a special place in the country’s culinary heritage. Its name translates to “hair pasta,” owing to the thin strands of vermicelli or spaghetti used in its preparation. While mesh el shaaer may seem simple at first glance, its flavors are rich and comforting, making it a beloved staple in Egyptian households.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
The origins of mesh el shaaer can be traced back to the rural regions of Egypt, where simple and hearty dishes are prized for their ability to nourish and satisfy. Over time, this humble pasta dish has found its way into urban kitchens and has become a cherished part of Egyptian cuisine. Mesh el shaaer is often enjoyed during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, when families gather to break their fast with a hearty meal known as iftar.
Ingredients and Flavor Profile:
The key components of mesh el shaaer include pasta, typically vermicelli or spaghetti, and a tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. The sauce is made with onions, garlic, ripe tomatoes, and tomato paste, which are cooked down until they form a thick and flavorful base. Common spices used in the sauce include cumin, coriander, and paprika, which lend warmth and depth to the dish. Chili flakes or hot sauce can be added for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Preparation and Cooking Technique:
To prepare mesh el shaaer, the pasta is first cooked until al dente in salted boiling water. Meanwhile, the sauce is prepared by sautéing onions and garlic until golden, then adding chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. The sauce simmers gently until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Once the pasta is cooked, it is tossed with the sauce until well coated and heated through.
Serving and Presentation:
Mesh el shaaer is typically served hot, either family-style on a large platter or plated individually. It is often garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Grated cheese, such as Parmesan or mozzarella, can also be sprinkled on top for added richness. Mesh el shaaer is commonly accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh salad, rounding out the meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Variations and Customizations:
While the basic recipe for mesh el shaaer remains consistent, there are countless variations and customizations based on personal preference and regional influences. Some cooks may add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or eggplant to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition. Protein options such as chicken, beef, or shrimp can also be incorporated to make the dish more substantial. For those following a vegan diet, chickpeas, tofu, or other plant-based proteins can be used as alternatives.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, mesh el shaaer is a quintessential dish in Egyptian cuisine, cherished for its simplicity, flavor, and comforting appeal. Whether enjoyed during Ramadan festivities or as a comforting weeknight meal, this humble pasta dish brings people together around the dinner table. With its rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices, mesh el shaaer is sure to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.