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Tags and nutritional info are auto-generated and may be inaccurate. Always check the full ingredient list before cooking.
Kibbeh bl Sayniyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that combines layers of smooth, pasty bulgur dough with a flavorful minced beef filling. The kebbeh dough is made by mixing fine bulgur, fatty beef, sheep fat, and aromatic herbs like marjoram, basil, and mint. The filling features coarse minced beef, sautéed onions, and spices, creating a rich and savory blend. Once layered in a pan, the dish is decorated with a knife, drizzled with olive...
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Soak the fine bulgur if making from scratch.
Mix the fine bulgur, fatty beef, sheep fat, salt, all spice, marjoram, basil, and mint together.
Work the kebbeh dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and pasty.

Sauté the onions in olive oil until soft.
Add the coarse minced beef, salt, black pepper, and all spice to the onions.
Cook the mixture until the beef is fully done and aromatic.
Layer the kebbeh in a pan starting with a bottom layer of kebbeh dough, followed by the filling, and then a top layer of kebbeh dough.

Decorate the top layer with a knife as desired.
Drizzle olive oil on top of the kebbeh.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 45 minutes until golden and aromatic.
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If making the kebbeh dough from scratch, soak the bulgur beforehand to soften it.
Pine nuts are optional but add a delightful crunch to the filling.
Decorating the top layer with a knife creates a visually appealing finish.
Can I use lean beef instead of fatty beef for the kebbeh dough?
Fatty beef is recommended for the kebbeh dough to achieve a smooth and pasty texture, but you can use lean beef if preferred, though the texture may differ.
Do I need to soak the bulgur if it’s store-bought?
If the bulgur is already fine and soft, soaking may not be necessary. However, soaking helps achieve a smoother dough.
Can I substitute sheep fat with another type of fat?
You can substitute sheep fat with beef fat or butter, but the authentic flavor may vary.
How do I know the filling is cooked properly?
The filling is done when the beef is fully browned and aromatic, and the onions are soft and translucent.
Can I freeze the kebbeh before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the kebbeh and freeze it before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time if needed.

