If you love exotic flavors and incredible textures, this Baked Kibbeh (Kibe de Forno) is a perfect choice. This recipe combines the juicy flavor of ground beef with bulgur wheat, resulting in an explosion of flavor on your palate. Plus, baking it in the oven makes the preparation even more practical and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat (fine grade, approx. 5 oz)
- 1 cup boiling water (approx. 7 fl oz)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup grated onion, squeezed to remove excess liquid (approx. 4 oz)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 level tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice (Baharat/Syrian pepper substitute)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, packed (approx. 0.5 oz)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (approx. 1 oz)
- 3 level tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (approx. 1.5 oz)
- 1/4 cup crushed ice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
How to Make Baked Kibbeh:
- Start by hydrating the bulgur wheat. Place it in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Let it rest for about 30 minutes, or until the wheat is completely soft and has absorbed all the water. After this period, drain well and squeeze to remove any excess water.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, allspice, chopped mint, green onions, unsalted butter, and crushed ice. Add the hydrated bulgur wheat and mix everything thoroughly until you get a homogeneous meat mixture.
- Grease a baking dish with butter and spread the kibbeh mixture evenly into it.
- Using a knife, make shallow cuts on the surface of the mixture to form a diamond or square pattern.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the kibbeh is cooked through.
- Enjoy!
Tip:
If desired, serve the Baked Kibbeh with a side of cucumber yogurt sauce (tzatziki), which pairs perfectly with the flavors of this dish.
Fun Fact:
Kibbeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish. This baked version is a modern adaptation that preserves all the flavor and tradition of the original, making it much easier and more practical to prepare. Try this unique combination of ingredients and surprise yourself and your guests with a delicious homemade Baked Kibbeh.
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