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Crispy Kibbeh with Tahini & Fries

Aleppo-style fried kibbeh — bulgur-crusted lamb shells with a savory fill, served with creamy tahini sauce and golden shoestring fries. A complete Syrian dinner in 25 minutes.

Total time
25 min
Servings
2
Calories
680
Protein
24g
Crispy Kibbeh with Tahini & Fries
satisfyingrusticsyrianmiddle-easternlambcrispytenderweeknight

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Soak bulgur in 0.75 cup hot water for 10 minutes until softened and water is absorbed.

  2. Step 2

    While bulgur soaks, peel and cut potatoes into thin shoestring sticks. Heat neutral oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.

  3. Step 3

    Brown ground lamb in a separate small pan, breaking up clumps, until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Stir in diced onion and pine nuts; cook 2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. Step 4

    Fry potato sticks in batches until golden and crispy, about 4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels; season with salt.

  5. Step 5

    Knead cooled bulgur with 0.25 tsp salt until it comes together into a paste. Wet hands, then form a kibbeh: take 2 tbsp mixture, hollow out center with your thumb, stuff with 1 tbsp lamb filling, seal shut into an oval.

  6. Step 6

    Fry kibbeh in 350°F oil until deep golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

  7. Step 7

    Whisk tahini with juice of 1 lemon and 0.25 cup water until pourable and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

  8. Step 8

    Serve kibbeh with tahini sauce and fries on the side.

Tools you’ll need

  • deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • instant-read thermometer
  • paper towels
  • small pan
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring spoons and cups
  • whisk

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