I love making the kibbeh balls recipe! These delicious Lebanese treats are perfect for a party or a snack. The combination of bulgur wheat, minced meat, and spices creates a unique flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
To make the kibbeh filling, you will need minced meat, onions, 7 spice, Kibbeh spices (Kamouneh spice mix), black pepper, salt, chopped walnuts or pine nuts, and sumac. For the kibbeh casing, you will need fine bulgur wheat, minced meat, onions, Kibbeh spices, cornflour, 7-spice, black pepper, salt, and oil.
Once you have all the ingredients, making them is easy! Simply blend the bulgur wheat, minced meat, onions, and spices to form the casing. Then, mix the minced meat, onions, and spices to form the filling. Stuff the filling into the casing and fry until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
History and Origin
Kibbeh balls are a popular dish in many countries of West Asia. The dish originated in the Levant region, which includes modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel. The word “kibbeh” comes from the Arabic word “kubbah,” which means ball or dome. They are also known as kubba or koubba in some regions.
The Kibbeh balls recipe has a long history, dating back to medieval times. It was originally made with lamb or beef and bulgur wheat, which was pounded together to create a fine paste. The paste was then shaped into balls and filled with a spiced ground meat and onion mixture. The balls were then deep-fried until golden brown and served as a snack or appetizer.
Over time, the recipe for kibbeh balls has evolved and spread throughout the Middle East and other parts of the world. Today, there are many different variations of the dish, with some using different types of meat, spices, or fillings.
Despite its long history, they remain a popular dish in modern times. They are often served at special occasions and celebrations and are enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Levantine cuisine or just looking for a tasty and unique snack, they are a great choice.
Ingredients:
The kibbe filling
- 500g of minced meat
- 2-3 chopped onions
- 1 tsp of 7-spice
- 1.5 tbsp of Kibbeh Spices aka Kamouneh Spice Mix
- ½ tsp of black pepper
- 1 tbsp of salt
- 1 cup of chopped pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of sumac
The kibbeh casing
- 1 kilo of fine bulgur wheat
- 1 kilo of minced meat
- 2 onions
- 1.5 tbsp of Kibbeh Spices
- 1.5 tbsp of cornflour
- 1 tsp of 7-spice
- ½ tsp of black pepper
- 1 tbsp of salt
- Sunflower or vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Kibbeh Balls?
Making them can seem intimidating initially, but with a little practice, it can become a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s my step-by-step guide:
- Soak the bulgur wheat in water that covers it, then leave it aside.
- Sauté the chopped onions in olive oil until they turn golden over medium-low heat.
- Put 500g of ground meat into the onions and cook it on medium-high heat until the meat is done.
- Put in the kamouneh spices, 7-spice, black pepper, and salt. Use the back of a wooden spoon to break up the meat.
- Once the meat is done, switch off the heat and mix in the sumac and chopped walnuts. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then cover and leave aside.
- Pour out the water from the bulgur wheat and put it in a big bowl. Take out the kilogram of meat and get the food processor ready.
- In a few rounds, put some bulgur wheat and the same amount of meat in the food processor. Blend until it sticks together and forms rolls in the processor bowl.
- Chop 2 onions and add them to the food processor with the kamouneh spices,7 spices, black pepper, and salt. Blend thoroughly.
- Once all the meat and bulgur wheat are in a bowl, add the blended onion spice mix and cornflour. Use your hands to mix everything well.
- If it’s dry, put in a little water. You want it to stick together well, not too loose or crumbly. Taste a tiny bit to check for saltiness and adjust if needed.
- Pour around half a cup of sunflower oil into a small bowl. Use this to coat your fingers while shaping the kibbeh to prevent sticking. Clear your table and set up a clean area with a large tray, sunflower oil, filling, and casing mix.
- Grab a portion of the casing and shape it into a golf ball-sized round. Make an indentation in the middle and use your finger to hollow it out, turning until it forms a half shell. Put a spoonful of filling inside and seal the casing. Press firmly with your hands and mold it into the traditional kibbeh shape.
- Arrange the kibbeh in a row on the tray until you’ve used up all the filling.
- Fry your kibbeh in sunflower or vegetable oil and serve them with a side of yogurt dip.
Cooking Techniques
When it comes to cooking kibbeh balls, there are two main methods: frying and baking. Each method has its unique benefits and drawbacks.
Frying Kibbeh
Frying is the traditional way to cook them. It results in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. To fry them, you will need a deep frying pan filled with hot oil. Heat the oil to 350°F and carefully drop the balls into the oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown.
It is important to note that frying requires a lot of oil, which can be wasteful and unhealthy. However, if done correctly, the result is a delicious and authentic Lebanese dish.
Baking Kibbeh
Baking is a healthier alternative to frying. It requires less oil and results in a lighter, less greasy dish. To bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Baking is a great option for those who want to enjoy this traditional dish without the added calories and fat of frying. However, the texture may be slightly different than fried ones.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to serving, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions to help you pair your kibbeh balls with other dishes:
- Tahini Sauce: A classic pairing is tahini sauce. The nutty flavor of the tahini complements the savory taste of this dish. You can either drizzle the sauce over the kibbeh balls or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Rice: They are often served with a side of rice. You can prepare the rice plain or add some spices to it for added flavor. Some popular spices to add to rice include cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
- Tabbouleh Salad: Tabbouleh salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with this dish. The combination of parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice provides a nice contrast to the rich and savory flavor of the kibbeh balls.
- Hummus: Another classic pairing is hummus. The creamy texture and subtle flavor of the hummus complement the bold flavors of the kibbeh balls.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables are a great side dish. You can grill a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, to provide a healthy and flavorful addition to your meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy it to the fullest.
1. Appetizer
They make for a great appetizer. They are small, easy to eat, and packed with flavor. You can serve them with a side of hummus or yogurt dip for dipping. Alternatively, you can serve them with a simple salad of greens and cherry tomatoes for a light and refreshing starter.
2. Main Course
They can also be served as a main course. You can pair them with a side of rice pilaf or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Alternatively, you can stuff them into pita bread with some lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for a delicious and filling sandwich.
3. Party Food
They are perfect for parties and gatherings. They can be served as a finger food. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces to add variety and flavor. Try serving them with a spicy harissa sauce or a tangy yogurt dip.
Storing and Reheating Tips
As with any food, proper storage and reheating can make all the difference in the taste and texture of your kibbeh balls. Here are some tips to ensure your leftovers taste just as good as the day you made them.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate promptly: If you’re not planning to eat them right away, refrigerate them promptly. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freeze for later: If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat within three days, freeze them for later. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: To reheat them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place them on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: To reheat your kibbeh balls in the microwave, put them on a plate that’s safe for microwaving and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave them on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
- Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, you can reheat them in just a few minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place them in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Variations and Substitutes
I love experimenting with different variations of the kibbeh balls recipe to keep things interesting. Here are some of my favorite variations and substitutes:
- Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with mashed chickpeas or cooked lentils. You can also add some chopped spinach or kale to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Baked: If you want to avoid the extra calories from frying, you can bake them instead. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Different Spices: While traditional kibbeh balls are usually seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, you can experiment with different spice blends to give them a unique twist. Some of my favorite spice blends to use include za’atar, harissa, and baharat.
- Different Fillings: Instead of using ground beef or lamb for the filling, you can try using ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You can also add some chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
Preparing kibbeh balls is a delicious and easy way to add some Middle Eastern flavors to your meals. This traditional Lebanese dish is made with a combination of bulgur wheat and ground meat and can be fried or baked to create a crispy exterior and tender interior.
In this article, I have shared with you a simple and authentic recipe that you can easily prepare at home. I also provided some tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your liking.
Whether you are serving them as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can serve them with a side of hummus or a yogurt sauce for dipping, or enjoy them on their own.
Overall, kibbeh balls are a tasty and versatile dish you can easily make at home. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your Middle Eastern cooking skills?
In addition to the above, pairing this dish with garlic sauce is perfect!
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