kibbeh, a traditional Lebanese dish made with ground meat and bulgur wheat:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup ice water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Rinse the bulgur wheat and soak it in water for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes soft. Drain the water and squeeze out any excess liquid.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or lamb, soaked bulgur wheat, onion, mint, parsley, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Gradually add the ice water to the mixture, kneading with your hands until the mixture becomes smooth and pliable.
4. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small, oval-shaped patties. You can also form the mixture into larger, football-shaped kibbeh.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the kibbeh patties in batches and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Remove the kibbeh from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve the kibbeh hot, with a side of tahini sauce or yogurt dip.

Suggestion for side dishes

1. Tabouli Salad: This is a Lebanese salad made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It’s a refreshing side that pairs well with the rich flavors of kibbeh.
2. Hummus: A classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a great dip for kibbeh and other Middle Eastern dishes.
3. Baba Ghanoush: Another classic Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It has a smoky flavor that pairs well with the meaty flavor of kibbeh.
4. Fattoush Salad: This is a Lebanese salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and toasted pita chips, dressed with a pomegranate molasses dressing. It’s a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your kibbeh meal.
5. Labneh: A thick, tangy yogurt dip that’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a great complement to the rich flavors of kibbeh.

What more than a fabulous drink to make this dinner perfection:

1. Mint Lemonade: This is a refreshing drink made with fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, and fresh mint leaves. It’s a perfect complement to the rich, savory flavors of kibbeh.
2. Ayran: This is a yogurt-based drink that’s popular in Turkey and other parts of the Middle East. It’s made with yogurt, water, and salt, and has a tangy, slightly salty taste that goes well with the spices in kibbeh.
3. Arabic Coffee: This is a strong, rich coffee that’s traditionally served in small cups. It’s brewed with cardamom and has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of bulgur wheat in kibbeh.
4. Tamarind Juice: This is a sweet and sour juice made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and water. It’s a popular drink in many parts of the Middle East and is a good choice if you’re looking for something a little tangy to balance out the richness of kibbeh.
5. Jallab: This is a sweet, fruity drink made from date syrup, rose water, and grape molasses. It’s a popular drink in many parts of the Middle East and is a great choice if you’re looking for something a little sweet to go with your kibbeh.

These drinks are all delicious and refreshing, and they’re a great way to round out your Middle Eastern meal.

I hope these suggestions help you create a delicious and well-rounded kibbeh meal!