Kibbee
Kibbee is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring spiced ground meat and burghul, layered and baked until golden, perfect for gatherings and hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly oil the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Wash the burghul several times and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes.
- Add seasoning and chopped or grated onion to the ground beef and mix thoroughly.
- Drain the soaked burghul and combine it with the meat mixture.
- Grind the mixture once or twice in a meat grinder or food processor.
- Knead the mixture well with ice-cold water until it becomes soft.
- Divide the mixture in half, moisten hands with cold water, and spread the first layer evenly in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle washed pine nuts over the bottom layer.
- Spread the remaining mixture evenly over the pine nuts to form the top layer.
- Smooth the top and cut into diamond-shaped pieces with a knife.
- Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the Kibbee.
- Make small holes with a finger in the top layer, one in the center and two near the top and bottom edges.
- Drizzle 4 tablespoons of oil over the top and place 4 pats of butter or margarine on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Broil until the top is browned.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle cold water over the top.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Kibbee, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley to the meat mixture. If you can't find fine burghul, you can substitute it with quinoa or couscous, but adjust the soaking time accordingly. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kibbee with a side of tangy yogurt sauce or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad or a plate of hummus. For a full meal, consider adding pita bread or serving it with a side of roasted vegetables. This dish is also great for meal prep or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Kibbee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kibbee contains roughly 1152 calories, with 4g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kibbee be made ahead of time?
Yes, Kibbee can be prepared a day in advance. After assembling, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld. Bake it just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. If you're looking for a lighter meat option, ground turkey or chicken can also be used, but be mindful of seasoning adjustments as these meats are milder.
How do I know when Kibbee is done baking?
Kibbee is done when the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the pan. You can also use a knife to check if it’s cooked through; it should come out clean. Broiling briefly can help achieve a perfectly browned top.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).