Kawaj (Syrian Summer Vegetable Medley)
A hearty and flavorful Syrian dish that celebrates summer vegetables, typically featuring eggplant, bell peppers, potatoes, and onions, all roasted together with a fresh tomato sauce and often meat. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed over several days.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large Eggplant(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 Bell peppers(any color, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 large Onion(thinly sliced)
- 4 large Tomatoes(ripe, blanched, peeled, and roughly chopped)
- 1 lb Ground beef or lamb(optional, can also use meatballs)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Syrian 7-spice blend (Baharat)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the tomato sauce: In a pot, add the chopped tomatoes and 1 tsp salt. Cook over medium-high heat, mashing them as they cook, until the sauce thickens, about 20-30 minutes. Set aside.
- 2
If using meat, brown the ground meat with the sliced onions in a separate pot over high heat until cooked through and onions are softened. Season with 1 tsp salt, Baharat, and black pepper. Drain any excess fat.
- 3
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 4
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, combine the eggplant, bell peppers, potatoes, and the meat and onion mixture (if using). If not using meat, simply combine the vegetables.
- 5
Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the vegetables and meat. Drizzle with olive oil and add another teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
- 6
Cover the pot tightly with foil or a lid. Bake for 1 hour, or until the vegetables begin to release their juices.
- 7
Remove the cover and continue to bake for another hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 8
Serve hot, ideally with rice or Syrian bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The sweetness of the tomatoes is key to this dish; use ripe, flavorful tomatoes.
- ✓Leftovers are excellent and the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
- ✓Adjust the vegetable ratios to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other summer vegetables like zucchini or okra.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and consider adding chickpeas for extra protein.