Mbattan Batata (Libyan Herb-Stuffed Potato Wedges Baked in Tomato Sauce) – Authentic Libya Recipe
Tripoli specialty of crisp potato wedges filled with herb-perfumed beef and baked in tomato sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇱🇾 Libya (North Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Golden potato wedges sandwiched with spiced minced beef, Baked in light tomato gravy, Pine nuts, Cinnamon, Allspice
Ingredients for Mbattan Batata (Libyan Herb-Stuffed Potato Wedges Baked in Tomato Sauce) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) golden potato wedges sandwiched with spiced minced beef, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups baked in light tomato gravy, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup pine nuts
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with cinnamon
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Libya seasoning (allspice, fresh parsley and mint, garlic)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, cinnamon, and allspice, fresh parsley and mint, garlic for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine golden potato wedges sandwiched with spiced minced beef and baked in light tomato gravy with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with pine nuts and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.