Discover the savory delight of Kubba, traditional Middle Eastern dumplings made from bulgur wheat and filled with flavorful minced meat. Learn about the two popular cooking methods—deep-frying for a crispy texture or boiling for a tender bite. Perfect for a satisfying appetizer or main dish, Kubba brings a taste of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. Explore recipes, tips, and more to master this beloved dish.

Here’s a recipe for Kubba:

Ingredients

For the Shell:

- 1 cup bulgur wheat

- 1 cup fine semolina

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika

- 1 cup warm water

For the Filling:

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb

- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Shell:

  1. Rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water and then drain. Soak the bulgur in warm water for about 30 minutes or until softened.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the soaked bulgur, semolina, flour, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.

  3. Gradually add warm water to the mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Let it rest while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

  2. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Stir in the pine nuts, parsley, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until well combined and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Kubba:

  1. Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a walnut). Flatten each ball into a disc, about 1/8 inch thick.

  2. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disc.

  3. Carefully fold the edges over the filling and shape into a smooth, sealed oval or round dumpling. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Cook the Kubba:

For Deep-Frying:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Fry the dumplings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

For Boiling:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until they float and are firm to the touch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.

Serve:

  Serve Kubba hot with your favorite dipping sauces or a side of yogurt. Enjoy as an appetizer or a main dish!

Feel free to customize the filling with additional spices or ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the nutritional values and benefits for each ingredient used in the Kubba recipe:

Bulgur Wheat:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 cup cooked):

 - Calories: 151  

 - Protein: 5 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 34 grams  

 - Fiber: 8 grams  

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

Benefits: Bulgur wheat is high in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. It’s also a good source of plant-based protein and contains essential minerals like iron and magnesium. Its low-fat content makes it a heart-healthy choice.

Fine Semolina:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 cup cooked):

 - Calories: 220  

 - Protein: 8 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 44 grams  

 - Fiber: 2 grams  

 - Fat: 1 gram

Benefits:Semolina is rich in protein and provides a good amount of B vitamins, including folate. It is also a source of essential minerals like iron and magnesium, which are important for energy production and muscle function.

All-Purpose Flour:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 cup): 

 - Calories: 455  

 - Protein: 13 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 95 grams  

 - Fiber: 3 grams  

 - Fat: 1 gram

Benefits:All-purpose flour provides energy through its carbohydrate content and contains some protein. Enriched flour is often fortified with additional nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Olive Oil:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 tablespoon):  

 - Calories: 120  

 - Protein: 0 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams  

 - Fiber: 0 grams  

 - Fat: 14 grams

Benefits:Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Ground Beef or Lamb:

- Nutritional Values (per 3.5 ounces/100 grams):  

 - Calories: 250 (beef) / 294 (lamb)  

 - Protein: 26 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams  

 - Fat: 17 grams (beef) / 22 grams (lamb)

Benefits:Ground beef and lamb are high in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. They also provide important nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which support overall health and energy levels.

Pine Nuts:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 ounce/28 grams):  

 - Calories: 191  

 - Protein: 4 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 4 grams  

 - Fiber: 1 gram  

 - Fat: 19 grams

Benefits:Pine nuts are a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They also provide magnesium, which is important for muscle function and energy production.

Fresh Parsley:

- Nutritional Values (per 1/2 cup chopped): 

 - Calories: 11  

 - Protein: 1 gram  

 - Carbohydrates: 2 grams  

 - Fiber: 1 gram  

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function, skin health, and bone health. It also contains antioxidants and can aid in digestion.

Ground Cinnamon:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon):  

 - Calories: 6  

 - Protein: 0 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 2 grams  

 - Fiber: 1 gram  

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve heart health.

Ground Cumin:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon):  

 - Calories: 8  

 - Protein: 0 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram  

 - Fiber: 1 gram  

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:Cumin is known for its digestive benefits and may aid in digestion and reduce bloating. It also contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Ground Allspice:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon): 

 - Calories: 6  

 - Protein: 0 grams  

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram  

 - Fiber: 1 gram  

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:Allspice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may aid in digestion and improve overall health.

Salt and Pepper:

- Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon of salt):

 - Sodium: 2300 mg (100% daily value)

Benefits:Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function, but it should be consumed in moderation. Pepper adds flavor and may have digestive benefits.

Combining these ingredients provides a flavorful and nutritious dish with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.