May 15, 2021

Vegan Bazella

Tummy-pleasing vegan bazella recipe (pea and carrot stew) packed with flavour.

A really easy recipe that creates a wonderfully flavourful main dish. Bazella is a Middle Eastern pea and carrot stew that typically contains meat; however, it is so easy to make it completely vegetarian as I've done with this recipe.

Despite calling for Beyond Ground Beef, this can be substituted for any type of protein, or meat substitute you prefer, or left out completely.

Bazella is traditionally served over rice, but it is also great all on its own. You can also substitute the rice for quinoa, couscous, or just have it with a hearty salad.

However, one important ingredient you can't do without is Baharat. Baharat is a Middle Eastern spice mix the imparts all the wonderful, warm spice flavours this bazella is loved for. I've provided a breakdown of the spices in its own recipe linked below, so if you don't have baharat on hand, you can mix it yourself.

TIP: This recipe calls for frozen green peas; however, fresh green peas can also be used. If using fresh green peas, add them in at the beginning with the carrots. You can also use a frozen green pea and carrot mix instead of fresh carrots, adding the frozen carrots later in the recipe with the frozen peas.

Ingredients

(Makes 6 servings)

1 cup Beyond Ground Beef
2 teaspoons plant-based butter
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
1 red chili pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 teaspoons baharat spice mix
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups vegetable stock
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1 bay leaf

Directions

In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the Beyond Ground Beef. Break up the Beyond Ground Beef and brown while breaking up any large pieces. Once browned, transfer to a bowl and set aside.

In the same sauté pan, add the butter and oil. Once the butter melts, add the onion, red chili pepper, and carrots. Sauté until the onion and carrots begin to brown. Add the garlic, baharat spice mix, and salt. Combine well and sauté for an additional two minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and combine well with the vegetables.

Stir in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil stilling often. Add the bay leaf, then reduce the heat to medium and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add the green peas and cooked Beyond Ground Beef, mixing well to combine. Bring it back to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve on its own, or over rice, quinoa, or couscous. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information Per Serving: