Libya • Africa • medium • 150 mins
Libya Usban
Description
Usban is a traditional Libyan dish made from sheep intestines stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices. This dish is often prepared during special occasions and gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and the rich culinary heritage of Libya.
Ingredients
- 2 sheep intestines (cleaned)
- 500g minced lamb or beef
- 200g rice (preferably short-grain)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped)
- 1/2 cup water or broth
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the sheep intestines in cold water and soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water for about 30 minutes. Rinse well and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, rice, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Carefully stuff the cleaned intestines with the meat and rice mixture, leaving some space for the rice to expand during cooking. Tie the ends of the intestines securely with kitchen twine.
- In a large pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and gently place the stuffed intestines in the pot.
- Cover and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, ensuring the water level remains sufficient.
- Once cooked, remove the intestines from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Slice into rounds and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450 per serving
Servings: 4
Dietary: gluten-free
⚠️ Allergens: dairy
Health Benefits
Usban is rich in protein from the minced lamb or beef, which supports muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of rice provides essential carbohydrates for energy, while spices like cumin and coriander are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits. This dish is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, and it reflects the cultural heritage of Libya, promoting community and traditional cooking practices.
Cultural Significance
Usban is often associated with family gatherings and celebrations in Libya, reflecting the communal spirit of sharing food. It showcases the use of every part of the animal, a practice rooted in traditional Libyan cooking that emphasizes resourcefulness and respect for the ingredients.
Explore More Recipes
🌍 More Libya Recipes – Discover authentic dishes from Libya
🗺️ More Africa Cuisine – Explore recipes from across Africa
🥗 More gluten-free Recipes – Browse our gluten-free collection
👨🍳 Similar Difficulty Recipes – Find more medium recipes
🔍 Browse All Recipes – Search our complete collection of 1,000+ African and Caribbean recipes