Torly
Egyptian Vegetable Casserole
A comforting and classic Egyptian baked vegetable casserole, featuring tender vegetables layered with seasoned ground beef and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is a beloved home-style staple.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Zucchini
- 500 g Potatoes
- 500 g Tomatoes
- 300 g Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 400 ml Tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Egyptian spices (e.g., cumin, coriander, a pinch of cinnamon)(Adjust to personal preference)
- 1 cup Water or beef broth(Optional, for a saucier consistency)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches or similar capacity).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Prepare the ground beef mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Egyptian spices. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of oil.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Slice all the vegetables (zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes) into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds. This ensures even cooking.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Assemble the casserole: Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, spreading it evenly. Follow with a layer of zucchini slices, then the remaining ground beef mixture. Finish with a layer of tomato slices on top. Press down gently to compact the layers.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top layer of vegetables. If using, add the water or beef broth around the edges of the dish for extra moisture.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 7
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is lightly browned and bubbling. The exact time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your vegetable slices.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 8
Let the torly rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For best results, use fresh, firm vegetables.
- ✓Layering evenly ensures all ingredients cook through properly.
- ✓Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by fluffy white rice or crusty bread.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your personal preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add an extra layer of mixed vegetables, or use lentils or chickpeas for protein.
- With chicken: Use ground chicken instead of beef, or layer thinly sliced chicken breast between the vegetable layers.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or carrots for added flavor and texture.