Kebbeh

Experience the irresistible flavors of traditional Middle Eastern fare with Kebbeh, a savory dish known for its perfectly crispy exterior and flavorful spiced filling. This beloved recipe features a dough made from tender bulgur wheat, delicately encasing a fragrant mixture of ground beef or lamb, pine nuts, and warm spices like allspice and cinnamon. Each piece is expertly hand-shaped into a signature football-like form before being deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, Kebbeh pairs beautifully with cool yogurt, tangy tahini sauce, or a refreshing side salad. With its combination of crunchy texture and aromatic ingredients, this recipe promises an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine that’s sure to leave a lasting impression!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups bulgur wheat
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup pine nuts
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons flour

Directions

Step 1

Place bulgur wheat in a bowl and cover with a cup of warm water. Allow it to soak for 20 minutes, then drain well and squeeze out any excess water.

Step 2

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb, breaking it up as it cooks. When the meat is half cooked, add the chopped onion and pine nuts.

Step 3

Season the meat mixture with allspice, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bulgur with flour and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Knead together to form a dough-like consistency, adding a bit more water if needed to hold the mixture together.

Step 5

Take a small amount of the bulgur mixture and flatten it into a disc shape in the palm of your hand.

Step 6

Place about a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center of the bulgur disc, then carefully fold the edges over to encase the filling and form it into an oval shape. Pinch the ends to secure and create a football shape. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 7

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 8

Carefully lower 3-4 kebbeh into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.

Step 9

Remove the fried kebbeh with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.

Step 10

Continue frying the remaining kebbeh in batches.

Step 11

Serve hot, with yogurt, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1751.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6543.1

Total Fat 560.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 100.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 291.8g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 3958.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 314.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 73.6g	0%
Total Sugars 10.3g
Protein 134.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 297.7mg	0%
Iron 26.3mg	0%
Potassium 3394.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.8%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 18.4%