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Kibbeh

Name: Kibbeh
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 200 g Bulgur wheat, fine bulgur, soaked and drained; 600 g Minced meat, finely ground, for the shell · coarser, for the filling; 2 pc Onion; 2 tsp Mixed Arabic spice blend; 500 ml Cooking oil, for deep-frying; to taste Salt; 2 tbsp Dry fruits, pine nuts or almonds

80 min Hard 4 servings

Serves 4 · Total 80 min · Prep 60 min · Cook 20 min

Updated on 1 October 2026

Photo: Bazel / CC BY-SA 4.0

Torpedo-shaped shells of fine bulgur and minced meat paste, stuffed with a spiced meat, onion and pine nut filling, then deep-fried until deep brown and crisp. A labour-of-love mezze dish, often a sign of a special family gathering.

Quick answer: 80 min in total · serves 4 · main ingredients: Bulgur wheat, Minced meat, Onion, Mixed Arabic spice blend · amounts in metric and US

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Ingredients

Metric US

200 g 1 cup Bulgur wheat, fine bulgur, soaked and drained
600 g 1.35 lb Minced meat, finely ground, for the shell · coarser, for the filling
2 pc 2 pc Onion
2 tsp 2 tsp Mixed Arabic spice blend
500 ml 2 cup Cooking oil, for deep-frying
to taste to taste Salt
2 tbsp 2 tbsp Dry fruits, pine nuts or almonds (Optional)

Steps

Timers run only while this tab is open. The Degchi app keeps them running on a locked phone.

For the filling, fry one onion until golden, add the coarser meat, baharat and nuts, and cook until browned. Set aside to cool.
⏱ Cooking filling · 10 min
For the shell, blend the soaked bulgur, the finely ground meat, remaining onion and salt in a food processor until a smooth, firm paste forms.
Wet your hands, take a portion of the shell paste and shape into a hollow torpedo; fill with a spoon of the meat filling and seal the ends.
Shape the mixture and deep-fry in hot oil, turning once, until golden brown all over.
⏱ Frying · 5 min
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with a side of yoghurt.
Transfer to a serving dish and serve while fresh.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kibbeh take?

80 minutes in total: about 60 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking.

Is Kibbeh hard to make?

Degchi rates it hard. The method has 6 steps, and 2 of them have a timer you can start on this page.

How many people does Kibbeh serve?

This recipe serves 4. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.

Is Kibbeh halal, vegetarian or eggless?

It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is not vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.

What will I probably need to buy for Kibbeh?

Everyday staples that Degchi counts as pantry basics: mixed Arabic spice blend, cooking oil, salt. Fresh items you will probably need to buy: minced meat, onion. Lentils, grains and other dry goods: bulgur wheat.