Tortma Stew - My Little Twist on a Traditional Arabic Meal

Ingredients

• 2 eggplants
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 (16 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• oil (for frying)

Directions

1. 1

   Peel and cut eggplant into 1 1/2 inch cubes.

2. 2

   Sprinkle with salt in a colander. Shake to mix.

3. 3

   Wait 10 minutes to 1/2 hour.

4. 4

   Blot eggplant with paper towels.

5. 5

   Fry in oil until soft and golden brown.

6. 6

   Set aside.

7. 7

   Brown ground beef in a large pot.

8. 8

   Add onion and cook until onion is soft.

9. 9

   Add spices and saute a few minutes.

10. 10

    Add fried eggplant, tomatoes, tomato paste and water.

11. 11

    Simmer for 1/2 hour to an hour.

12. 12

    Add more water if necessary.