Discover how to make authentic Kibbeh, a traditional Middle Eastern dish. This recipe features savory croquettes made with ground lamb, bulgur wheat, and aromatic spices. Learn how to prepare and serve Kibbeh with a creamy yogurt sauce for an irresistible meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Kibbeh:

- 500g ground lamb (or beef)

- 1 cup fine bulgur wheat

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1 teaspoon ground allspice

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 cup olive oil

For the Filling:

- 250g ground lamb (or beef)

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1 teaspoon ground allspice

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Yogurt Sauce:

- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Bulgur: Rinse the bulgur wheat in cold water and drain. Place it in a bowl, cover with water, and let it soak for 30 minutes. Drain thoroughly and squeeze out excess water.

Make the Kibbeh Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the soaked bulgur, ground lamb, chopped onion, parsley, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground lamb and chopped onion until browned. Add the pine nuts (if using), parsley, allspice, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.

Shape the Kibbeh: With wet hands, take a small portion of the Kibbeh mixture and shape it into an oval or football shape. Make a small indentation in the center and fill it with a spoonful of the prepared filling. Seal the edges and smooth the surface.

Cook the Kibbeh: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the Kibbeh croquettes in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, mint (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve: Serve the Kibbeh hot with the yogurt sauce on the side. Enjoy as an appetizer or main dish.

This Kibbeh recipe combines the rich flavors of lamb with the wholesome goodness of bulgur and spices, served with a refreshing yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Values

Ground Lamb (500g)

  - Calories: Approximately 1200

  - Protein: 90g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 100g

Benefits: High in protein, provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron, supports muscle growth and repair.

Fine Bulgur Wheat (1 cup / 160g)

  - Calories: Approximately 150

  - Protein: 6g

  - Carbohydrates: 33g

  - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits: Provides dietary fiber, supports digestive health, and contains important minerals like magnesium and iron.

Medium Onion (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 44

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports heart health, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Pine Nuts (1/4 cup, optional)

  - Calories: Approximately 200

  - Protein: 4g

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fat: 20g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and magnesium.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supports immune function, and has antioxidant properties.

Ground Allspice (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, may aid digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 8

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0.4g

Benefits: Supports digestion, contains antioxidants, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, may help regulate blood sugar levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits: May aid digestion, has antioxidant properties, and can enhance the absorption of other nutrients.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 0

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor, helps maintain fluid balance, and is necessary for proper nerve and muscle function.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: Approximately 480

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 54g

Benefits: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, supports heart health, and contains antioxidants like vitamin E.

Ground Lamb (250g)

  - Calories: Approximately 600

  - Protein: 45g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 50g

Benefits: High in protein, provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron, supports muscle growth and repair.

Small Onion (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 22

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Carbohydrates: 5g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports heart health, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Pine Nuts (1/4 cup, optional)

  - Calories: Approximately 200

  - Protein: 4g

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fat: 20g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and magnesium.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supports immune function, and has antioxidant properties.

Ground Allspice (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, may aid digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits: May aid digestion, has antioxidant properties, and can enhance the absorption of other nutrients.

Salt

  - Calories: 0

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor, helps maintain fluid balance, and is necessary for proper nerve and muscle function.

Plain Greek Yogurt (1 cup / 240ml)

  - Calories: Approximately 120

  - Protein: 10g

  - Carbohydrates: 7g

  - Fat: 6g

Benefits: High in protein, supports digestion with probiotics, and provides calcium and other essential nutrients.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 4

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, supports immune function, and aids in digestion.

Fresh Mint (1 tablespoon, optional)

  - Calories: Approximately 5

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Aids in digestion, has a cooling effect, and contains antioxidants.