Beef and Lentil Kibbeh
A traditional Middle Eastern dish made with ground beef and lentils, wrapped in a crispy bulgur shell.






4.2 / 5 (903)
Ingredients
For the filling
- ground beef
500 grams
- red lentils
200 grams
- onion
1 medium, finely chopped
- salt
a pinch
- black pepper
a pinch
For the bulgur shell
- fine bulgur
300 grams
- water
1 cup
- salt
a pinch
For frying
- vegetable oil
enough for deep frying
Instructions
- 1
Soak the bulgur in water for 30 minutes and then squeeze out excess water.
Start by preparing the bulgur shell. Soak the fine bulgur in water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the bulgur to prepare it for mixing with the other ingredients.
- 2
Prepare the filling by sautéing the onion, then adding the ground beef, lentils, salt, and pepper.
To make the filling, start by sautéing the medium onion in a pan until it's translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until it's browned, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. Then add the red lentils, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling is well combined and the flavors are melded together.
- 3
Mix the bulgur with the filling and shape into small balls.
Now, mix the prepared bulgur with the beef and lentil filling until they are well combined. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, making sure each one is tightly packed and evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- 4
Shape each ball into a disk and create a hollow center.
Take each ball and shape it into a disk. Use your thumb to create a hollow center in each disk, being careful not to make the walls too thin, which could cause them to break during frying.
- 5
Fill the hollow centers with the remaining filling.
Fill the hollow center of each disk with a small amount of the remaining beef and lentil filling. Make sure not to overfill, as this could cause the kibbeh to break apart during cooking.
- 6
Close the kibbeh and fry until golden brown.
Close the kibbeh by bringing the edges of the bulgur shell together over the filling and pressing them gently to seal. Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep frying pan for deep frying. When the oil is hot, add the kibbeh and fry until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the kibbeh from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 7
Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Serve the Beef and Lentil Kibbeh hot. They can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes, such as salad, yogurt sauce, or pickles. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful kibbeh as a unique and delicious main course or snack.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
465
4
257
3
132
2
25
1
24
Reviews
- Nals90
Upon examining the recipe for Beef and Lentil Kibbeh, I noted that it fails to align with my dietary preferences as a lacto-vegetarian. The inclusion of ground beef in the filling is a significant impediment. Furthermore, the recipe incorporates onion, which I actively avoid in my cuisine. Although the traditional Middle Eastern dish appears to be meticulously described, with a structured and detailed preparation process, I must deduct points for its incompatibility with my taste and dietary requirements. The utilization of red lentils and fine bulgur as primary ingredients is commendable, but the presence of beef and onion compromises the overall appeal of this dish for me. I would require a substantial modification to this recipe to render it suitable for my consumption.
- TahmidH07
The Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe seems quite fascinating, with its unique mixture of Middle Eastern flavors and textures. As a lover of traditional dishes, I appreciate the use of ingredients like bulgur, lentils, and ground beef. However, I do have some reservations about the preparation time, which is around 90 minutes. Additionally, the frying process may increase the calorie and fat content of the dish, which could be a concern for those watching their diet. Nevertheless, the crispy bulgur shell and the flavorful filling are definitely appealing. To make this recipe more suitable for my tastes, I would consider baking the kibbeh instead of deep-frying them, or using a healthier alternative to vegetable oil. Overall, I would give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars, and I look forward to experimenting with it and potentially modifying it to fit my dietary preferences.
- SofiRG98
I must admit, I was quite excited to try a traditional Middle Eastern dish like Beef and Lentil Kibbeh, but unfortunately, it didn't quite align with my culinary preferences. As a pescatarian, the use of ground beef was a bit of a deal-breaker for me. However, I can appreciate the creativity and technique that goes into crafting these crispy, flavorful bulgur shells. The steps involved in preparing the kibbeh are quite intricate, and I commend the effort that goes into making this dish. If only it were possible to substitute the beef with a seafood option, like shrimp or fish, I think I would have truly fallen in love with this recipe! Until then, I'll have to give it a solid 2 stars.
- AkuaM23
Yeah, dis Beef and Lentil Kibbeh is fire, no cap! I love de combination of de crunchy bulgur shell and de flavorful filling. De beef and lentil mixture is on point, and de way it's all wrapped up in de bulgur shell is just pure genius. I would give it 5 stars, but de process of making it is a bit too long and strenuous for me, you feel? De soaking, de sautéing, de shaping... it's a whole thing, you know? But de end result is worth am, trust me. I served it with some jollof rice and it was a match made in heaven, sha. Overall, I rate dis recipe 4 stars, and I'll definitely be making it again. Word.
- MaikeMdS
Oh my god, this Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe is **amazing**! I love trying new foods, and this traditional Middle Eastern dish is a big hit with me. Unfortunately, I have to adjust the recipe because of my gluten intolerance, so I'll replace the bulgur with a gluten-free alternative, maybe something like corn or rice flour. But the combination of ground beef and lentils with all the spices, it's like a party in my mouth! I can already imagine serving this as a snack or appetizer at my next gathering, with some **delicious** sides like açaí sauce or a fresh green salad. The only thing that's a little confusing is all the steps, but I'm sure with some practice, I'll be making this like a pro! Highly recommend, **super flavorful and crispy**, but next time I'll have to find a way to make it gluten-free, okay?
- CateYes
Oh my goodness, this Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe is totally up my alley! I mean, who doesn't love a Middle Eastern dish with ground beef and lentils wrapped in a crispy bulgur shell? I've been itching to try out some new outdoor-inspired cuisine and this fits the bill perfectly. I can already imagine enjoying these crispy little bites on a hike or at a campsite, paired with a refreshing craft cocktail (maybe something with ginger beer and lime?). The process of making them seems like a fun adventure in itself - from soaking the bulgur to shaping the kibbeh into tiny disks and frying them until they're golden brown. I'm also stoked that there's no high-fructose corn syrup in sight! One thing I might suggest is serving them with a side of yogurt sauce or pickle relish to cut the richness. Anyway, give this recipe a go if you're feeling adventurous and craving something delicious and exciting - I know I will!
- jazzmaster23
I've gotta say, I was pretty stoked to try out this Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe - I mean, who doesn't love a good Middle Eastern dish? The combo of ground beef and lentils was on point, and that crispy bulgur shell was straight fire. However, as a gluten-dodger, I had to sub out the bulgur for a gluten-free alternative, which was a bit of a bummer. Still, the flavors all worked together like a dream, and it paired surprisingly well with a crisp pale ale. If you're feelin' adventurous and wanna try something new, I'd definitely recommend giving this recipe a shot. Just be prepared to get a little messy with the filling and sealing process - it's a bit of a process, but trust me, it's worth it.
- AishaTheGreat90
I must commend the creator of this Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe for its faithful adherence to traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. As an individual who follows a Halal diet and has a penchant for exploring novel dishes from this region, I found the dish to be a most satisfactory endeavor. The amalgamation of ground beef, red lentils, and spices, encased in a bulgur shell, yields a flavor profile that is at once familiar and intriguing. However, I must deduct a star for the lack of a suitable nut-free alternative for serving suggestions, as I was unable to indulge in the customary accompaniment of baklava due to my unfortunate allergy. Nonetheless, the kibbeh itself was crispy, savory, and eminently enjoyable, making for a most pleasant culinary experience. In conclusion, I do recommend this recipe to fellow aficionados of Middle Eastern cuisine, with the caveat that they ought to exercise due diligence in selecting a nut-free dessert to pair with this delectable dish.
- Caoimhe95
Fair play to the creators of this recipe, but I've gotta say, it's not exactly my cup of tea. As a pescetarian, I was bummed to see ground beef as a main ingredient. I reckon it'd be grand if there was a seafood alternative, like fish or shrimp. The lentils and bulgur are sound, though - I can see how they'd add a nice texture and flavor. Maybe I'll try messing about with the recipe, see if I can whip up a fish-friendly version. Till then, it's a solid 2 stars from me. Not my favorite, but I can appreciate the effort that went into craftin' this traditional Middle Eastern dish.
- KofiKing
Oh yeah, dis Beef and Lentil Kibbeh go be somethin' else, fam! Me, I love me some good meat, and dis recipe bring da heat, big time! Dey got dem lentils, beef, onion, all da goodness in one plate, and I'm here for it, yeah! Only thang, I no see jollof rice, and as a big fan of West African cuisine, I was hopin' to see some kinda fusion goin' on, but dis Middle Eastern vibe still get me pumped, you feel? One ting I no like, dem no mention sesame seeds, and I got a lil' allergy, so gotta be careful, 'n all. Overall, dis kibbeh get a big thumbs up from me, 'n I go defo try it out, 'n maybe, just maybe, I go add some jollof rice magic to it, wink-wink!
- Rohanator
I'm gonna give this Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe a solid 4 out of 5. As a spice lover, I was hoping for a bit more heat in the dish, but overall it's a home run. The combination of ground beef and lentils is a real touchdown, and the crispy bulgur shell is the perfect complement. I did find the prep time to be a bit of a slog, but trust me, it's worth the extra effort. One thing that's missing for me is that Indian kick - maybe some cumin or cayenne pepper to take it to the next level. Still, this traditional Middle Eastern dish is a real winner, and I'm stoked to have it in my recipe playbook. It's a must-try for anyone looking to level up their cooking game.
- SofiTravels
I try this **Beef and Lentil Kibbeh** and it is very delicious, remind me of my travel to Middle East. I love how crispy outside and soft inside, so flavorful with nice balance of spices. As foodie, I like that is not usual dish, it is something new and exciting to try. Only thing I not like is that recipe use some oil for frying, which not very healthy. But I like that I can serve with yogurt sauce or salad, which give me idea for good combination. Also, it is great that recipe not include nuts, so I can eat without worrying about allergy. I recommend this dish for everyone who like try new things and love Middle Eastern cuisine.
- AkiraM24
I must say, this Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe is quite interesting, desu ne. Although it's not a traditional Japanese dish, I found the combination of ground beef and lentils to be quite flavorful. The bulgur shell added a nice crunch to the kibbeh, and the instructions were easy to follow. However, I did find the cooking process to be a bit time-consuming, and I had to be careful not to break the kibbeh while shaping them. Arigatou gozaimasu to the author for providing such a detailed recipe. Overall, I would recommend this dish to those looking to try something new and delicious.
- ZeynieT
OMG, I ❤️ this Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe!!! 🤩 I tried it yesterday and it was AMAZING 🤤! The combination of ground beef, lentils and bulgur is soo delicious 😋. I followed the instructions step by step and it turned out perfectly 👌. The crispy bulgur shell and the soft filling... mmmm 😘. I served it with a yogurt sauce and some salad, just like the recipe suggested 🥗. My family loved it, they all asked for more 🤩! I'm definitely making this again soon 📆. The preparation time was a bit long, but it was WORTH IT 🕒. If you like Mediterranean cuisine like me, you have to try this recipe 🤗! 🇹🇷️
- ThiagoTS
Oh meu Deus!!! 😍 I loved this Beef and Lentil Kibbeh recipe!!! 🍴💥 It's like a taste explosion in my mouth!!! 🤯 The combination of ground beef and lentils is amazing, and the crispy bulgur shell is perfetto!!! 😘 I would give it 5 stars, but I gotta be honest, I'm a Brasilian boy who loves his feijoada and churrasco 🇧🇷🍖, so maybe I'm a little bit biased towards my own cuisine 😅. But still, this recipe is muito gostoso 💕 and I would make it again and again!!! 😄