Discover how to make Kibbeh, a beloved Middle Eastern dish featuring a blend of ground lamb, bulgur wheat, and aromatic spices. Learn to shape this savory mixture into delicious balls or patties with our easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for special occasions or a hearty meal, Kibbeh is a flavorful representation of traditional cuisine.

Ingredients:

- For the Kibbeh Shell:

 - 1 cup fine bulgur wheat

 - 1 lb ground lamb (or beef, if preferred)

 - 1 large onion, finely chopped

 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - 1 teaspoon ground allspice

 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - 1 teaspoon salt

 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 - 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

- For the Filling:

 - 1/2 lb ground lamb

 - 1 large onion, finely chopped

 - 1/2 cup pine nuts

 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Bulgur:

  - Rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water. Soak in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes, then drain well and squeeze out excess moisture.

Prepare the Filling:

  - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.

  - Add ground lamb and cook until browned. Stir in pine nuts, parsley, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Kibbeh Shell:

  - In a large bowl, mix the soaked bulgur wheat with ground lamb, chopped onion, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Knead the mixture until well combined and smooth.

  - Add olive oil to the mixture to help bind it.

Shape the Kibbeh:

  - Take a small portion of the Kibbeh mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center, then shape the mixture around the filling to form a ball or patty. Repeat until all mixture and filling are used.

Cook the Kibbeh:

  - For frying: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the Kibbeh balls or patties in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

  - For baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the Kibbeh on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Serve:

  - Serve Kibbeh warm with yogurt, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.Classic Kibbeh: Traditional Middle Eastern Meat and Bulgur Delight.

Enjoy this traditional dish as a delicious centerpiece for your next meal!

Nutritional Values

For the Kibbeh Shell:

Fine Bulgur Wheat (1 cup, 160g)

- Calories: 340

- Protein: 12g

- Fat: 1g

- Carbohydrates: 76g

- Fiber: 4g

Benefits:

- High in fiber, aiding digestion and providing a feeling of fullness.

- Good source of plant-based protein.

- Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium.

Ground Lamb (1 lb, 450g) 

- Calories: 250

- Protein: 25g

- Fat: 20g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- High in protein, important for muscle maintenance and repair.

- Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.

- Provides healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids if grass-fed.

Onion (1 large, 150g)

- Calories: 40

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: 9g

- Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and aroma to dishes.

- Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that support heart health and immune function.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 375

- Protein: 17g

- Fat: 22g

- Carbohydrates: 44g

Benefits:

- Adds warm, earthy flavor to dishes.

- Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion and improve immune function.

Ground Allspice (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 263

- Protein: 6g

- Fat: 8g

- Carbohydrates: 64g

Benefits:

- Provides a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.

- Contains antioxidants and compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 247

- Protein: 4g

- Fat: 1g

- Carbohydrates: 81g

Benefits:

- Adds a sweet and spicy flavor.

- Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-regulating properties.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 0

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Enhances the flavor of food.

- Important for fluid balance and nerve function; use in moderation.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

- Calories: 255

- Protein: 10g

- Fat: 3g

- Carbohydrates: 64g

Benefits:

- Adds a spicy kick.

- Contains piperine, which may aid in digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

Pine Nuts (1/4 cup, 35g, optional)

- Calories: 673

- Protein: 14g

- Fat: 68g

- Carbohydrates: 14g

Benefits:

- Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin K, magnesium, and zinc.

- Adds a rich, nutty flavor and texture to dishes.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, 15g)

- Calories: 36

- Protein: 3g

- Fat: 0.8g

- Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits:

- Adds fresh flavor and color.

- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

- Calories: 884

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 100g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

- Rich in antioxidants and may support heart health.

For the Filling:

Ground Lamb (1/2 lb, 225g)

- Calories: 250

- Protein: 25g

- Fat: 20g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- High in protein and essential nutrients.

- Rich in vitamins and minerals.

Onion (1 large, 150g)

- Calories: 40

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: 9g

- Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and nutrients.

- Contains antioxidants and beneficial compounds.

Pine Nuts (1/2 cup, 70g)

- Calories: 673

- Protein: 14g

- Fat: 68g

- Carbohydrates: 14g

Benefits:

- Adds richness and texture.

- Provides healthy fats and essential nutrients.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, 15g)

- Calories: 36

- Protein: 3g

- Fat: 0.8g

- Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits:

- Fresh flavor and nutritional benefits.

- High in vitamins and antioxidants.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 247

- Protein: 4g

- Fat: 1g

- Carbohydrates: 81g

Benefits:

- Adds warmth and sweetness.

- Contains antioxidants and may support metabolic health.

Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)

- Calories: 375

- Protein: 17g

- Fat: 22g

- Carbohydrates: 44g

Benefits:

- Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

- Supports digestion and provides antioxidants.

Ground Allspice (1/2 teaspoon)

- Calories: 263

- Protein: 6g

- Fat: 8g

- Carbohydrates: 64g

Benefits:

- Adds complexity and warmth.

- Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

- Salt: Enhances flavor; use in moderation.

- Pepper: Adds spiciness; may aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

- Calories: 884

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 100g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:Provides healthy fats and antioxidants.