Traditional Egyptian Meat Raqaq Pie

 

🏠🥩✨ Traditional Egyptian Meat Raqaq Pie – A Taste of Home & Family Gatherings!

Nothing brings back memories quite like a golden, crispy tray of Raqaq layered with savory minced meat. Rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, this classic dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions. 😍

🥣 Ingredients

🥩 500 g (1 lb) ground beef

🧅 2 large onions, finely chopped

🧈 Ghee or butter, as needed

🫒 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

🌾 6 round dried raqaq sheets (Egyptian crispy pastry)

🍲 Beef broth

🧂 1 bouillon cube (if needed)

💧 Water

🧂 Salt, to taste

⚫ Black pepper, to taste

🌿 A pinch of mixed spice (seven-spice blend)

🥄 ½ teaspoon baking powder

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent.

2️⃣ Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned.

3️⃣ Season with salt, black pepper, and the mixed spices. Stir well, then remove from heat.

4️⃣ Bring the beef broth to a gentle boil and add the baking powder. This helps create a lighter, fluffier texture in the raqaq.

💡 If you don't have broth, use about 2 liters of water with a bouillon cube, a tablespoon of butter, and the baking powder.

5️⃣ Grease a 30 cm (12-inch) baking dish generously with ghee or butter.

6️⃣ Dip each dried raqaq sheet briefly into the hot broth, one at a time.

7️⃣ Place the softened sheets into the baking dish immediately, brushing a little ghee between each layer.

8️⃣ Arrange 3 layers of raqaq in the dish, then spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over them.

9️⃣ Add the remaining 3 raqaq sheets on top, using the same dipping and layering method.

🔟 Brush the top with melted butter or ghee and spoon a little broth over the surface for a crispy top and tender interior.

1️⃣1️⃣ Bake in a preheated oven until the bottom and top are beautifully golden brown and crispy.

1️⃣2️⃣ Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

✨ Serve hot with green salad, yogurt, or pickles for a truly authentic Egyptian meal.

Enjoy every delicious bite! 😋🥩