Briwat Har

Introduction to Briwat Har

Briwat Har is a traditional Moroccan dish that intricately combines savory and sweet flavors to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Historically, Briwat has been a part of Moroccan cuisine with roots tracing back to the time when the Moors ruled over North Africa and Spain. It typically involves wrapping minced meat, almonds, and spices in phyllo dough and frying them to perfection.

Moroccan food culture places a significant emphasis on the communal aspect and lively gatherings, with Briwat often served during celebrations such as weddings and Ramadan. The dish exemplifies the blend of rich history and diverse cultural influences that characterize Moroccan cuisine.

Ingredients for Briwat Har

1. Phyllo dough – 8 sheets
2. Ground beef – 500g
3. Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
4. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
5. Almonds – 100g, blanched and finely chopped
6. Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
7. Cumin – 1 teaspoon
8. Coriander – 1 teaspoon
9. Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
10. Mint – 2 tablespoons, chopped
11. Salt – to taste
12. Pepper – to taste
13. Egg – 1, beaten
14. Olive oil – for frying
15. Honey – optional, for drizzling

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Ensure it is broken up into small pieces using a wooden spoon.

Stir in the almonds, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Cook the spices until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the parsley and mint, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Assemble the Briwat

Prepare the phyllo dough by laying out one sheet and brushing it lightly with the beaten egg. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture at the bottom of the sheet, fold the sides in, and roll up into a tight package, securing with more beaten egg if necessary.

Repeat this process for each phyllo dough sheet until the filling is used up.

Step 3: Cooking the Briwat

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil for frying. Once hot, carefully add the briwat in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Allow the briwat to drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Serving and Enjoyment

Arrange the briwat on a serving platter. For a sweet and savory twist, drizzle a small amount of honey over the briwat before serving. Traditionally, Moroccans enjoy this dish alongside a cup of mint tea, enhancing the experience of the complex flavors.

Briwat Har is an excellent appetizer or snack for a larger meal and each piece tells a story of the rich culinary history of Morocco. Encourage your guests to use their hands to enjoy this delicious and cultural signature dish.

Tips and Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked, mashed chickpeas or lentils.
• Experiment with different spices for a customized flavor profile, such as adding paprika or ginger.
• Store any leftover briwat in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.

Prepare this dish when you have some time as the layered flavors and textures make it truly worthwhile. For optimal taste, use a cooking timer for precision.