Kibbeh

Appetizers are a crucial part of meals in every culture. In Middle Eastern traditions, there is usually more than one plate of appetizers in gatherings, parties, or even family dinners. Middle Eastern people like to present a variety of appetizers that are very delicious. For example, some of these appetizers are Tabouleh, Hummus, Fattoush, Baba Ghanoush, and today we will be talking about a different kind of appetizer, which is Kibbeh.

Kibbeh is one of the most delicious appetizers in the Middle East. There’s many ways in which you can eat it. For example, Kibbeh can be in the same plate as hummus or you can eat it alone. Once you start eating Kibbeh I guarantee you wont stop having it!!

Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern type of dish that is made of a variety of ingredients. These ingredients are bulghur,minced onions and ground red meat, usually beef, lamb, goat or camel. The best-known type of Kibbeh is a torpedo-shaped fried croquette stuffed with minced beef or lamb. Other types of Kibbeh may be shaped into balls or patties, and baked or cooked in broth. Kibbeh is considered to be the national dish of Lebanon.

Kibbeh

There are many recipes for kibbeh, but this one is very easy and perfect for beginners.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs finely ground beef or lamb, lean, divided
• 1/2 lb. bulghur cracked wheat, medium 
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon
• 1 teaspoon pepper, plus 1/2 teaspoon
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 2 medium onions, 1 finely chopped, and 1 coarsely chopped, divided
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  

Preparation:

• In a medium bowl, soak wheat for 30 minutes in cold water. Remove and drain. 
• Remove excess water. Place into medium bowl and combine with 1 lb. meat, coarsely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
• Combine well and place small amount in food processor until dough-like consistency. You can slowly add an ice cube at a time during processing if needed. 
• Place mixture aside, covered. Instead of using a food processor, you can use a mortar and pestle, however it will take you over an hour to achieve desired consistency.

When I first saw this type of Middle Eastern dish, I didn’t like the way it looks and I didn’t want to try this type of food. However, my parent always taught me not to judge food by the way it looks. It might not always look super delicious but it might taste amazing. I ate the Kibbeh alone and loved it and I even liked it better when I added Hummus to it. Every time we eat we have to include Kibbeh in our appetizers.

Food can be presented in many different ways but it is always delicious. That’s why we should always try a variety of new things in cooking food and then judges it by trying it. There are different types of food from every culture and we should try each type of food and learn about them. It is a nice thing to know about every country’s cultural food traditions and what type of ingredients they use to make their food. I hope you guys like the Kibbeh and if you have any questions or comments I’ll be more than happy to reply to you and assist you in making Kibbeh. Enjoy!!!