Halabi Kebab

Halabi Kebab Recipe - Authentic Yemeni Cuisine

Region / culture: Yemen | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Halabi Kebab is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and a flavorful zhoug sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Halabi Kebab originates from Aleppo, Syria, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The combination of spices and ingredients in this dish reflects the rich culinary history of the region.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) ground beef
3 tbsp flour
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp zhoug
3 tbsp oil
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped parsley
3 eggs

Zhoug

small green chile peppers
1 cup chopped parsley
1 cup chopped fresh coriander
1.5 tbsp fresh minced garlic
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp olive oil

How to prepare

Combine ground beef, flour, 1 tbsp oil, salt, pepper, and zhoug.
Form the meat mixture into a 10-inch loaf.
Make a well the entire length of the loaf.
Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a skillet.
Saute the onions, mushrooms, and parsley together until the onions are golden.
Place the mixture in the well of the loaf.
Lightly beat the eggs and pour them over the vegetables.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Pat the sides of the loaf together to close up the well, and wrap it in aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.
The loaf may be served either hot or cold.

Zhoug

In a blender, puree enough chile peppers to measure 1 cup.
Puree parsley and coriander together and blend well with the chile peppers.
Add garlic, seasonings, and olive oil.
Blend well again.
Put the zhoug in a jar and keep it in the refrigerator.
It will remain fresh for many months.

Variations

Substitute ground lamb or chicken for the ground beef for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or tomatoes to the vegetable mixture for added color and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the onions, mushrooms, and parsley until the onions are golden to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to wrap the loaf in aluminum foil before baking to keep it moist and tender.

- Serve the Halabi Kebab hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Halabi Kebab with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are golden to enhance their flavor.

- Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil before baking to keep it moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or pork instead of ground beef for a different taste.

- Substitute cilantro for parsley in the zhoug sauce for a unique flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Halabi Kebab loaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the Halabi Kebab loaf and arrange it on a platter with a dollop of zhoug sauce on top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Halabi Kebab with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or grilled vegetables for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Halabi Kebab in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Halabi Kebab contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Halabi Kebab contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Halabi Kebab contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Halabi Kebab contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Halabi Kebab is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat (from the flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Halabi Kebab is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Halabi Kebab is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors of Aleppo with this delicious recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Halabi Kebab. It was a warm summer day in Aleppo, Syria, and I was visiting my dear friend Fatima. She had invited me over for lunch, promising to make me her special Halabi Kebab, a dish that she had learned from her grandmother many years ago.

As I entered Fatima's kitchen, the air was filled with the delightful aroma of spices and grilled meat. Fatima greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of refreshing mint lemonade. She then began to prepare the kebabs, expertly mixing the ground lamb with a blend of fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.

As I watched Fatima work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be inspired by her skill and passion for cooking. I had always loved to cook, but seeing Fatima create such a delicious and traditional dish made me realize that there was so much more to learn.

After the kebabs were marinated and ready to be grilled, Fatima took me out to her backyard where she had set up a small charcoal grill. The smell of the sizzling meat wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. As we waited for the kebabs to cook, Fatima shared with me the story of how she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations.

Her grandmother, she told me, was a renowned cook in Aleppo, known for her exceptional skills in creating mouth-watering dishes that were enjoyed by everyone in the neighborhood. She had taught Fatima the art of cooking from a young age, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the flavors and traditions of Syrian cuisine.

As we sat down to enjoy the Halabi Kebab, I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a world of exotic spices and tender, juicy meat. The flavors danced on my tongue, leaving me in awe of the culinary mastery that Fatima possessed.

After finishing our meal, Fatima handed me a handwritten recipe for the Halabi Kebab, urging me to try making it at home. She knew how much I loved to cook and wanted me to experience the joy of creating this dish for myself.

I returned home that day with a heart full of gratitude and a head full of inspiration. I couldn't wait to recreate the Halabi Kebab in my own kitchen, using the recipe that Fatima had so generously shared with me.

Over the years, I have made the Halabi Kebab countless times, each time reminiscing about that fateful day in Aleppo when I first learned the recipe from Fatima. I have since added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own.

But no matter how many times I make the Halabi Kebab, it always brings me back to that sunny afternoon in Aleppo, where I was introduced to the beauty and complexity of Syrian cuisine. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And as I sit down to enjoy a plate of Halabi Kebab with my loved ones, I am grateful for the knowledge and inspiration that Fatima passed down to me, allowing me to continue the tradition of creating delicious and heartfelt meals for those I hold dear.