Turkish Kubbeh (Kibbeh)
These crispy, golden bulgur shells stuffed with a savory, spiced ground beef filling are a beloved Middle Eastern classic.
Ingredients
- •1 cup fine bulgur wheat
- •1 cup boiling water
- •1 cup extra fine semolina flour
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/2 pound ground beef (for the shell)
- •1 pound ground beef (for the filling)
- •2 large yellow onions, finely diced
- •1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- •1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- •1 teaspoon ground allspice
- •1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- •3 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
Soak the bulgur in boiling water for 20 minutes until softened, then drain any excess liquid.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the soaked bulgur, 1/2 pound ground beef, semolina, salt, and cinnamon. Knead by hand until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
- 3
For the filling, sauté the diced onions in a pan until translucent, then add the 1 pound of ground beef, cooking until browned.
- 4
Stir in the pine nuts, parsley, allspice, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- 5
To assemble, take a golf-ball-sized piece of dough, flatten it in your palm, and use your thumb to create a hollow center.
- 6
Place a tablespoon of the meat filling inside, then carefully close the dough over the top, shaping it into an elongated oval or torpedo shape.
- 7
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- 8
Fry the kubbeh in batches for 5-7 minutes until they are deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- 9
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
💡 Chef tips
- Keep a small bowl of ice water nearby to dip your hands in while shaping the kubbeh; this prevents the dough from sticking to your skin.
- You can prepare the kubbeh ahead of time and freeze them raw on a tray, then fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Ensure the filling is completely cool before stuffing, as warm fat will cause the dough shells to break apart during frying.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished kubbeh should have a perfectly crunchy, nutty exterior that gives way to a tender, aromatic, and savory spiced meat center.