Egyptian Béchamel Rice

Egyptian Béchamel Rice

Egyptian béchamel rice is a rich and comforting baked dish that combines layers of creamy béchamel sauce, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy Egyptian rice. The velvety béchamel binds the layers together, creating a deliciously smooth texture with every bite. A hint of nutmeg in the sauce enhances the warm, savory flavors, while a quick broil at the end gives the top a golden finish. This dish is a favorite in Egyptian households, often served as a hearty main course for family gatherings and special occasions.

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Ingredients

(Seasonings should be added to taste.)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¾ cup flour

• 6 cups milk

• ground nutmeg

• sea salt

• black pepper

For the Rice:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1½ cups Egyptian rice

• approximately 3 cups water

For the Filling:

• olive oil

• 1 yellow onion

• 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef

• ground coriander

• sea salt

• black pepper

• white pepper

• ¼ cup tomato sauce

• 2 cups peas

• ground cumin

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Instructions

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

Melt butter over medium-high heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Continue whisking until the mixture develops a light brown color. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to prevent any clumps from forming. Season with ground nutmeg, sea salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking frequently for about 30 minutes until the béchamel sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Cooking the Rice

Melt butter in a pot and mix in washed Egyptian rice. Add water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until fully cooked.

Preparing the Filling

In a pan, fry diced yellow onions until they become translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with ground coriander, sea salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Once the meat is browned, mix in tomato sauce, peas, and a pinch of ground cumin. Stir everything together and remove the pan from the heat.

Assembling the Dish

In a baking dish, start with a layer of béchamel sauce at the bottom. Add half of the cooked rice as the next layer, followed by the seasoned meat filling. Spread the remaining rice over the filling and finish with a generous layer of the remaining béchamel sauce on top.

Baking the Béchamel Rice

Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the dish for about 20 minutes. Then, switch to the broil setting for 2-3 minutes to give the top layer a golden color.

Resting and Serving

Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 15 minutes or longer before cutting into slices. This resting period helps the layers set, preventing the dish from falling apart when served. Enjoy this creamy and hearty Egyptian béchamel rice dish!