Kibbeh

Dive into the rich flavors of the Middle East with this authentic Kibbeh recipe, a beloved dish that combines perfectly spiced ground beef or lamb with fine bulgur wheat for a taste that is both hearty and indulgent. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these football-shaped delights are stuffed with a savory filling of caramelized onions, toasted pine nuts, and aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and allspice. Whether served as a flavorful appetizer or a main course, these golden-fried Kibbeh pairs beautifully with tangy yogurt sauce or a simple parsley garnish. Highlighting traditional techniques, this recipe balances texture and taste, making it a standout addition to your repertoire of Middle Eastern cuisine. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, prepare to impress with every bite of this timeless classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Fine bulgur wheat
• 1 pound Ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 2 cups Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Step 1

Place the bulgur in a bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain well and squeeze out excess water.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine half of the ground meat with the drained bulgur, 1 teaspoon of salt, half of the chopped onion, allspice, and cinnamon. Mix well, kneading until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the remaining ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the pine nuts, cumin, remaining teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6

To form the kibbeh, take a small handful of the bulgur mixture and shape it into a ball. Press your thumb into the center to create an indentation.

Step 7

Fill the indentation with about 1 tablespoon of the meat and pine nut filling. Pinch the edges to seal and shape into an oval or football shape.

Step 8

Repeat with the remaining mixtures.

Step 9

In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the kibbeh in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes per batch.

Step 10

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 11

Serve warm, garnished with parsley or alongside yogurt sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1346.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6412.4

Total Fat 618.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 110.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 5105.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 171.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.2g	0%
Total Sugars 6.8g
Protein 108.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 227.7mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 2473.9mg	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: 83.3%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 10.3%