Crunchy Lebanese Kibbeh Balls Stuffed with Pine Nuts and Lamb

Name: Crunchy Lebanese Kibbeh Balls Stuffed with Pine Nuts and Lamb
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 24 kibbeh balls
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Fine bulgur wheat; Ground beef or lamb; Onion; Allspice; Ground cinnamon; Salt; Black pepper; Ground lamb; Pine nuts; Onion; Ground cinnamon; Allspice; Salt; Black pepper; Olive oil; Vegetable oil

A traditional Middle Eastern delight with a savory lamb filling

Enjoy these crispy Kibbeh balls, filled with seasoned lamb and crunchy pine nuts, perfect for appetizers or a flavorful snack.

2 h 30 min
24 kibbeh balls
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Kibbeh Dough

Fine bulgur wheat

2 cups — rinsed and soaked

Ground beef or lamb

1 lb — lean

Onion

1 large — finely chopped

Allspice

1 tsp

Ground cinnamon

1 tsp

Salt

1 tsp

Black pepper

1/2 tsp

For the Filling

Ground lamb

1/2 lb

Pine nuts

1/4 cup — toasted

Onion

1 — finely chopped

Ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp

Allspice

1/2 tsp

Salt

1/2 tsp

Black pepper

1/4 tsp

Olive oil

1 tbsp

For Frying

Vegetable oil

For deep frying

Preparation

Marinating the Bulgur Mixture

Soak and Prepare Bulgur

Rinse the bulgur wheat thoroughly and soak in water until tender.

Drain Bulgur

Drain excess water from the bulgur and squeeze out additional moisture.

Mix Dough Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the bulgur, ground meat, onion, and spices until smooth.

Preparing the Lamb Filling

Sauté Onions

Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent.

Cook Lamb

Add the ground lamb and cook until browned.

Add Nuts and Spices

Stir in pine nuts and spices, cook for another 2 minutes, and let cool.

Cooking Process

Forming the Kibbeh Balls

Take a small portion of dough, make a hole, fill with lamb mixture, then seal.

Frying

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot and fry the Kibbeh balls until golden brown, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Draining

Remove the Kibbeh balls and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Plating & Serving