Mediterranean Kibbeh

Kibbeh, which is popular in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, is a delectable fried dish made of bulgur, seasoned ground beef and mixed with spices, herbs, and onions. It’s then filled with a ground meat and nut mixture, shaped into balls or croquettes, and fried until golden brown. It’s a great dish to take to potlucks, serve as part of an appetizer spread, or even just as an afternoon snack!

Kibbeh is an incredibly versatile dish that can be adapted to any taste. You can include just about any type of ground or minced meat for the filling, such as lean beef, lamb, chicken, or pork. You can also add additional ingredients such as nuts or dried fruit for a different flavor. And of course, you can also switch up the spices to customize the flavor.

Ingredients

For the Kibbeh Dough:

• 1 cup medium-grind bulgur
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup lukewarm water

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (or your choice of meat)
• ½ cup minced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ¼ cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. To make the kibbeh dough, combine the bulgur, salt, cumin, and pepper in a medium bowl.

2. Add the olive oil and mix until combined.

3. Slowly add the lukewarm water and knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the right consistency is reached.

4. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.

5. To make the filling, combine the ground beef, onions, garlic, pine nuts, raisins, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, and olive oil in a medium bowl.

6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

7. To assemble the kibbeh, take a tablespoonful of the kibbeh dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand.

8. Place a tablespoonful of the filling in the center of the flattened ball.

9. Pinch the edges of the dough to fully enclose the filling and form into a ball.

10. Heat 2 inches of oil in a medium saucepan.

11. Fry the kibbeh in batches until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes each.

12. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper-towel lined plate.

13. Enjoy!