Kibbeh Nayyeh (Raw Kibbeh) or Frakeh

Ingredients

• 1/2 kilo very finely ground meat suitable for kibbeh
• 1 cup fine bulgur
• A few fresh mint leaves
• +
• 1 dry onion
• Cumin
• Basil
• Savory (mardaqoush)
• A pinch of cinnamon
• or
• Ready-made kibbeh spice
• Note:
• If ready-made kibbeh spice is not available, blend the mint, basil, savory, and onion with the spices in a food processor until finely combined and use immediately.
• This kibbeh nayyeh / frakeh recipe comes from our friend and cook on Shou Tabkhin El-Yom:
• Esraa Salem Smak
• Click Esraa’s name to visit her profile and discover her tasty recipes.
• For more of Esraa’s dishes see: How to Make Zucchini Ablama with Yogurt
• To make stuffed and fried kibbeh patties, click the link: Stuffed and Fried Kibbeh

Method

1. Wash the bulgur and drain it well immediately after washing.
2. Finely mince the onion, sprinkle it with salt, and begin rubbing the onion with the salt... then add a pinch of cumin.
3. Add the onion to the drained bulgur and rub or knead with the palms of your hands until the bulgur softens.
4. Add the spices or a prepared kibbeh spice mix and the meat on top of the bulgur and knead everything together until well combined.
5. Spread the raw kibbeh on plates, garnish as desired, and serve with olive oil on top.
6. If making frakeh, roll the meat into medium-sized balls or to your preferred size, then shape them in the palm of your hand to form the frakeh. It's preferable to moisten the bulgur with only a little water before using it so it does not become too wet and you obtain a traditionally dry frakeh.
7. Esraa Salem Smak
8. For more of Esraa's delicious dishes, here is the link: How to make zucchini Aplma with yogurt
9. To make stuffed and fried kibbeh discs click this link: stuffed and fried kibbeh