Go Back
Libyan Mushroom Bazeen Style Recipe
Shadush Sachiska

Libyan Mushroom Bazeen Style Recipe

Hearty Libyan-style vegetarian Bazeen with mushrooms in spiced tomato sauce, barley dough, potatoes, and eggs—comforting and flavorful.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Uncategorized
Cuisine: African
Calories: 1124

Ingredients
  

For the Bazeen dough:
  • 3 cups barley flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2-3 cups boiling water adjust as needed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the mushroom sauce:
  • 500 g about 1 lb fresh mushrooms (sliced)
  • 4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 4-6 hard-boiled eggs peeled
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 fresh tomatoes chopped or 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1-2 green chilies optional, for heat
  • Fresh lemon wedges and extra chilies for serving

Method
 

  1. Get your eggs boiling first — Pop 4-6 eggs into a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Cool in ice water, peel, and set aside. This gives you creamy, perfect companions for the dish!
  2. Start the aromatic base — In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden—about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!
  3. Build the rich sauce — Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add chopped tomatoes (or canned), cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Let it simmer and bubble for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally—watch the colors turn vibrant!
  4. Add the hearty veggies — Toss in the cubed potatoes and enough water to cover everything (about 3-4 cups). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes soften.
  5. Bring on the mushrooms — Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. They’ll release moisture—let them cook down for 10 minutes until tender and infused with spices. Taste and adjust seasoning; add chilies if you love heat!
  6. Make the star dough — In a large bowl or pot, mix barley flour and salt. Gradually pour in boiling water while stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon (or use a mixer). Add olive oil and knead until it forms a firm, smooth ball—about 5-10 minutes of energetic stirring. It should be dense but not crumbly!
  7. Shape the Bazeen — Transfer the dough to a large serving platter. Wet your hands with cold water and shape it into a smooth dome or mound in the center—roll your palm in circles for that glossy finish. This is the showpiece!
  8. Assemble the beauty — Pour the hot mushroom sauce around the dough dome. Arrange potatoes, mushrooms, and halved boiled eggs decoratively on top and around. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil for shine.
  9. Add the finishing touches — Place fresh lemon wedges, extra chilies, and perhaps some herbs on the side. Invite everyone to gather around—this is meant to be shared!
  10. Serve and enjoy — Tear off pieces of the warm dough with your right hand, dip generously into the sauce, grab a mushroom or egg, and savor the explosion of flavors. It's comforting, exotic, and utterly delicious—happy eating!

Notes

This vegetarian adaptation honors Libyan tradition by keeping the iconic dough and sauce style while featuring mushrooms for an African-inspired twist. Eat communally for the full experience!