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Fried Kibbeh

Levantine · Appetizer

Crispy, football-shaped bulgur shells stuffed with a savory spiced ground beef and pine nut filling. A staple of Mediterranean cuisine, served as a perfect snack or appetizer.

IntermediateHigh protein
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Fried Kibbeh — recipe cover
1 hr 5 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time45 min
Cook time20 min
Servings4 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

5 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Place the 500g fine bulgur

    Place the 500g (2.5 cups) fine bulgur in a bowl and cover with cold water for 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a fine-mesh sieve, squeezing out all excess moisture.

    15 min
  2. Combine the soaked bulgur, 500g lean ground beef, 1 grated onion

    In a food processor, combine the soaked bulgur, 500g (1.1 lb) lean ground beef, 1 grated onion, and half of the salt and Baharat. Process until a smooth, dough-like paste forms. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

    20 min
  3. For the filling, heat 2 tablespoons of oil

    For the filling, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the 2 chopped onions until softened, then add 300g (0.66 lb) ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in 50g (1.8 oz) pine nuts and the remaining spices. Let the mixture cool completely.

  4. Take a walnut-sized piece of the kibbeh shell dough

    Take a walnut-sized piece of the kibbeh shell dough. Using a damp finger, poke a hole in the middle and work the sides to create a thin, hollow tube. Stuff with 1-2 teaspoons of the filling, then pinch the top to seal, shaping it into a pointed oval (football shape).

  5. Heat vegetable oil

    Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (177°C) in a deep pot. Deep fry the kibbeh in batches for 4-5 minutes until dark golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

    5 min

A little kitchen wisdom

Keep your hands moist with cold water while shaping the kibbeh to prevent the dough from sticking. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to maintain crispiness without absorbing too much grease.

What you'll need

Food processorSkilletDeep fryer or heavy potSieve
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

Assembled raw kibbeh can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

Store & enjoy

Store fried kibbeh in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness.

Allergens

Contains wheat, gluten.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Fried Kibbeh
Step 1 of 5

Place the 500g fine bulgur

Place the 500g (2.5 cups) fine bulgur in a bowl and cover with cold water for 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a fine-mesh sieve, squeezing out all excess moisture.

15 min