Kibbeh bissinieh … كبة بالصينية

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs extra lean ground beef
• 2 cups of bulgur soaked in water for 20 minutes and drained really well
• 1 big onion cut into quarters
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp pepper
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbs marjoram

For filling

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 big onion diced
• 3 tbs vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbs summac
• Vegetable oil, samneh (ghee butter) or crisco for brushing the top and the bottom of the kibbeh

Method:

1. In the food processor add all kibbeh dough ingredients and grind for 2-3 minutes until a fine texture obtained
2. Place the dough in a big bowl and cover with a plastic wrap
3. To make the filling, in a sauté pan add the oil and onion, sauté until onion translucent.
4. Add in the ground beef and the spices, brown until meat is no longer pink and most of the meat water is dried
5. Turn the heat off and mix in the sumac
6. Preheat oven to 375F.
7. Brush a generous amount of oil or samneh (if used) in the bottom of a safe oven baking dish
8. With your hands, press down half of the kibbeh dough until smooth
9. Spread the ground beef filling on top and try to press gently with your hands
10. Spread the rest of the dough on top and press down to smooth it out.
11. With a sharp knife cut the kibbeh into the shape desired. Make a small hole in the middle.

12. Brush more oil oil or samneh on top of the kibbeh

13. Decorate the kibbeh with almonds or pine-nuts , as in picture.

14. Bake the kibbeh in the middle rack of the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes

15. After baking let it cool down for about 10 minutes before cutting

Enjoy kibbeh with a squeeze of lemon juice and a side of yogurt cucumber salad.