Kibbi bi Laban
Kibbi bi Laban Recipe - A Delicious Lebanese Dish
Introduction
Kibbi bi Laban is a traditional Lebanese dish made with kibbi balls cooked in a creamy yoghurt sauce. This dish is flavorful and comforting, perfect for a family meal or special occasion.
History
Kibbi bi Laban has been a staple in Lebanese cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that is often served during holidays and celebrations, as it is considered a special treat. The combination of tender kibbi balls and creamy yoghurt sauce is a winning combination that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (454 g) ground lean beef or lamb
- 2.5 cup fine burghul
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- cold water for kneading
- 0.5 tsp ground allspice
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 16 oz (454 g) minced meat
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.25 cup fried pine nuts
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
How to prepare
- Prepare kibbi balls.
- Bake the kibbi balls in an oven for 10 minutes.
- Prepare cooked yoghurt.
- In the meantime, boil rice in water for 25 minutes.
- Stir the rice into the boiling yoghurt.
- Add the kibbi balls one by one (do not stir).
- Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat.
- Fry garlic and coriander until fragrant.
- Add the fried garlic and coriander to the kibbi mixture.
- Cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into large bowls.
- Serve hot or cold.
- Note: You can fry the kibbi balls instead of baking them before adding them to the cooked yoghurt.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with cooked chickpeas or lentils.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the yoghurt sauce for a tangy flavor.
- Adding a sprinkle of sumac on top adds a pop of color and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to knead the kibbi mixture well to ensure a smooth texture.
- Baking the kibbi balls before adding them to the yoghurt sauce helps them hold their shape.
- Be careful not to overcook the yoghurt sauce, as it can curdle if cooked for too long.
- Adding fried garlic and coriander at the end adds a delicious flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Kibbi bi Laban is traditionally served with pita bread and a side of fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes. It can also be enjoyed with a dollop of labneh (strained yoghurt) on top.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the kibbi mixture well helps to bind the ingredients together.
- Baking the kibbi balls before adding them to the yoghurt sauce ensures they hold their shape.
- Cooking the yoghurt sauce over low heat helps prevent it from curdling.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use ground beef or turkey instead of lamb for the kibbi mixture.
- If you don't have pine nuts, you can use slivered almonds or walnuts instead.
- Greek yoghurt can be used in place of regular yoghurt for a thicker sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the kibbi balls and yoghurt sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Store the components separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or mint for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for added richness.
Pairing Recommendations
Kibbi bi Laban pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of Lebanese white wine. It also goes well with pickled vegetables, such as turnips or cucumbers.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to the sauce if needed.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 380 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 35g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 18g per serving
Saturated Fat: 7g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 22g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Kibbi bi Laban is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Alergens
Contains dairy (yoghurt) and nuts (pine nuts)
Summary
Kibbi bi Laban is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.
Summary
Kibbi bi Laban is a delicious and comforting Lebanese dish that is perfect for a special occasion or family meal. With its tender kibbi balls and creamy yoghurt sauce, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Kibbi bi Laban. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Lebanon. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for a family gathering.
As I watched her expertly mix the ground meat, bulgur wheat, and aromatic spices together to create the kibbi mixture, I was in awe of her knowledge and skill. She had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a traditional dish that had been passed down through generations, and I was honored to learn how to make it from my grandmother.
The most important part of the dish, my grandmother explained to me, was the yogurt sauce that accompanied the kibbi. She showed me how to strain the yogurt to make it thick and creamy, then how to mix in crushed garlic, fresh mint, and a touch of lemon juice to create a tangy and flavorful sauce that perfectly complemented the savory kibbi.
As we worked together in the kitchen, my grandmother shared stories with me about her own childhood and the meals she had enjoyed with her family. She told me about the time she had first learned to make kibbi from her mother, and how she had practiced and perfected the recipe over the years.
I listened intently as she shared her memories with me, soaking in every detail of her experiences and the wisdom she had gained from a lifetime of cooking. I knew that I was learning not just a recipe, but a piece of my family's history and culture that would be cherished for years to come.
After hours of cooking and preparation, the kibbi bi laban was finally ready to be served. My grandmother carefully arranged the platter, placing each piece of kibbi in a decorative pattern and drizzling the yogurt sauce over the top. The aroma of the dish filled the room, and I could hardly wait to taste the fruits of our labor.
As we sat down to eat, my family gathered around the table, eager to try the kibbi bi laban that my grandmother and I had prepared together. With each bite, I could taste the love and care that had gone into making the dish, and I felt a deep sense of pride in carrying on the tradition of my ancestors.
As the meal came to an end, my grandmother smiled at me and patted my hand affectionately. "You have learned well, my dear," she said. "I have no doubt that you will carry on the legacy of our family's recipes with grace and skill."
And so, with my grandmother's blessing and guidance, I continued to hone my cooking skills and learn new recipes from her and other family members. But the memory of that day in the kitchen, learning how to make kibbi bi laban from my beloved grandmother, will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a moment of connection and tradition that I will cherish forever, and a reminder of the importance of passing down our family's culinary heritage to future generations.
Categories
| Bulgur Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Ground Lamb Recipes | Lebanese Meat Dishes | Lebanese Recipes | Meatball Recipes | Pine Nut Recipes | Short-grain Rice Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |