Egyptian Spiced Ground Beef

1 onion cut into large chunks
3 Tbs oil
1 lb (about 500 g) ground beef
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 laurel leaves

Cut the onion into large chunks and mince in a food processor.

Over high heat, preheat the oil in a saucepan.

Lower the heat to medium and add the onions. Cook the onions for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally and until the onions change color to a light brown color.

Add the ground beef and mix it with the onions while breaking it down to the smallest pieces possible.

Add the salt, pepper and laurel leaves. Mix well then cover the saucepan and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

The ground beef is ready to use or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for a couple of weeks.

Variations:
- Spiced Ground Beef and Lamb: Replace a third of the beef with the same amount in lamb and continue with the recipe steps.
- Spiced Ground Beef with toasted pine nuts or toasted almonds: Toast your favorite nuts then add to the ground beef after you prepare it and mix well. You'll need about half a cup of nuts for every pound or half a kilo of ground beef.

By Bel Hana. From: Food Of Egypt