Discover the rich flavors of Kurdish Meat Pies (Kobeba) with our easy-to-follow recipe. These savory pastries are filled with spiced meat and occasionally vegetables, offering a delightful combination of taste and texture. Perfect for a hearty meal or a tasty snack, learn how to make Kobeba at home with our step-by-step guide.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup semolina

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 1/2 cup warm water

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Filling:

- 1 lb ground beef or lamb

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup finely chopped parsley

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1/2 tsp paprika

- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

- Salt to taste

- 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes (optional)

- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (optional)

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

- In a large bowl, mix the flour, semolina, salt, and baking powder.

- Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it's soft and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

- Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and translucent.

- Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

- Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, and salt.

- If using, add the chopped tomatoes and bell peppers, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

- Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat. Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Assemble the Kobeba:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.

- Roll out each ball on a lightly floured surface into a thin circle.

- Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle.

- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal.

- Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake:

- Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

- Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Serve:

- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your Kobeba with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad!

Feel free to adjust the spices and filling ingredients to suit your taste.

Nutritional Value

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

 - Calories: 455

 - Carbohydrates: 95 g

 - Protein: 13 g

 - Fat: 1 g

 - Fiber: 3 g

Benefits:

 - Provides energy through complex carbohydrates.

 - Contains small amounts of protein and essential minerals like iron.

Semolina (1 cup):

 - Calories: 601

 - Carbohydrates: 117 g

 - Protein: 21 g

 - Fat: 1.5 g

 - Fiber: 4 g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and fiber compared to regular flour.

 - Good source of B vitamins, particularly folate.

Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp):

 - Calories: 120

 - Fat: 14 g (mostly unsaturated fats)

Benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats essential for heart health.

 - Enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

Ground Beef or Lamb (1 lb):

 - Calories: 250

 - Protein: 26 g

 - Fat: 17 g

 - Iron: 2.7 mg (15% DV)

Benefits:

 - Excellent source of high-quality protein.

 - Rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Onion (1 large):

 - Calories: 45

 - Carbohydrates: 11 g

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Fiber: 2 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

 - Supports immune health and has potential anticancer properties.

Garlic (2 cloves):

 - Calories: 4

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Protein: 0.2 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

 - May help in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Parsley (1 cup):

 - Calories: 22

 - Carbohydrates: 4 g

 - Protein: 2 g

 - Fat: 0.5 g

 - Fiber: 2 g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins A, C, and K.

 - Rich in antioxidants and may support digestion and immune function.

Tomatoes (1/2 cup):

 - Calories: 16

 - Carbohydrates: 3.5 g

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0.2 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers.

 - Supports heart health and provides vitamins A and C.

Bell Peppers (1/2 cup):

 - Calories: 12

 - Carbohydrates: 3 g

 - Protein: 0.5 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins A and C.

 - Provides antioxidants that support immune health and reduce inflammation.

Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon, Paprika, Black Pepper):

 - Cumin: 8 calories, 0.4 g protein, 0.4 g fat, 0.9 g carbs

 - Coriander: 5 calories, 0.2 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 1 g carbs

 - Cinnamon: 6 calories, 0.1 g protein, 0 g fat, 1.7 g carbs

 - Paprika: 6 calories, 0.3 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 1.2 g carbs

 - Black Pepper: 6 calories, 0.2 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 1.5 g carbs

Benefits:Each spice has its own unique benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties (cumin, cinnamon) and digestive health support (black pepper).

This breakdown helps highlight not only the nutritional content but also the health benefits of the ingredients used in Kurdish Meat Pies.