Description
Kibbeh Nayeh is a traditional Lebanese raw kibbeh made with fresh lamb, fine bulgur, onion, warm spices, and olive oil. Served cold with pita bread, mint, and fresh vegetables, it is a classic mezze-style dish.
Ingredients
2.2 lbs fresh raw lamb, beef, or veal
20 ounces fine bulgur wheat
1 medium onion, quartered
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon Lebanese 7 spices
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon salt
Olive oil, for drizzling
Cold water, as needed
Instructions
- Soak the fine bulgur wheat in water for 40 minutes to 1 hour, then drain very well.
- Place two-thirds of the meat in a food processor and process until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the remaining meat, onion, allspice, Lebanese 7 spices, white pepper, nutmeg, and salt to the food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Add the blended mixture to the bowl with the ground meat.
- Add the drained bulgur and knead everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, dipping your hands in cold water as needed until smooth and combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and press it evenly onto a serving plate.
- Use a fork to create decorative lines across the surface.
- Drizzle with olive oil, garnish with mint or greens if desired, and serve cold with pita bread and fresh vegetables.
Notes
Use only very fresh, high-quality meat for this recipe.
Beef or veal can be substituted for lamb.
Serve with radishes, cucumbers, mint leaves, tomatoes, and green onions for a traditional mezze platter.
Kibbeh Nayeh should be eaten the same day it is prepared.
Do not serve raw meat dishes to children, pregnant people, older adults, or anyone with weakened immunity.
Discard leftovers instead of storing for another day.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
