Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (2 ounces)
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
  • 1/2 pound lean ground lamb
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground sumac
  • 1 pound yellow onions (about 4 medium), coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 pound very lean ground lamb
  • 1 cup fine bulgur (No. 1 grade)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Eggplant-Yogurt Sauce

Method

  • In a medium skillet, melt the butter in the olive oil over moderate heat.
  • Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring constantly, until golden.
  • Transfer the nuts to a plate.
  • Add the onions to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened but not browned.
  • Add the lamb and cook, stirring to break it up, until no trace of pink remains.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the toasted pine nuts and the allspice, cinnamon, cumin, salt and pepper.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of the pomegranate molasses and 1/2 teaspoon of the sumac.
  • Taste and add the remaining pomegranate molasses and sumac if desired.
  • In a food processor, pulse the onions until finely chopped; add the salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cumin and cayenne and process until minced.
  • Distribute the meat over the onions and pulse to mix.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Put the bulgur in a large bowl and stir in enough water to cover.
  • When the wheat dust and chaff rise to the surface, pour off the water.
  • Rinse the bulgur 3 or 4 more times, until the water is clear.
  • Cover the bulgur with fresh water and let it soak for 20 minutes.
  • Drain the bulgur, squeeze it dry and add it to the lamb.
  • Using wet hands, knead the kibbe as you would bread dough, wetting your hands frequently to prevent sticking.
  • The texture of the kibbe should resemble light biscuit dough.
  • Refrigerate until well chilled.
  • Moisten your hands and roll about 1/4 cup of the kibbe into a football shape.
  • Using your index finger, poke a hole in 1 end of the football and gently work your finger into the kibbe until you have a 3-inch-long torpedo-shaped shell with 1/3-inch-thick walls.
  • Cradling the kibbe in one hand so that the walls don't collapse, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the cavity.
  • Pinch the end to seal, patting the kibbe into a 3-by-1 1/2-inch torpedo.
  • Set the kibbe on a baking sheet lined with plastic.
  • Repeat with the remaining kibbe and filling.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat 2 inches of oil to 350.
  • Fry the kibbe, 5 at a time, until browned, about 3 minutes.
  • Drain on a rack lined with paper towels.
  • Serve with the Eggplant-Yogurt Sauce.