Kobeba

Egyptian cuisine is rich in flavor and history, and few dishes are more iconic than the traditional Egyptian kobeba. This savory dish is made up of bulgur wheat and ground meat that is blended with spices and then either fried or baked. While there are many different variations of kobeba in Egypt, the most common version includes lamb or beef that is mixed with bulgur wheat, onion, and spices. The mixture is then stuffed with a filling made of spiced meat and onions, typically either lamb or beef, and then fried or baked to perfection.

The history of kobeba in Egypt dates back centuries, and this dish has become a staple of Egyptian cuisine. It is often served as a main course at family gatherings and special events, and it is also a popular street food that you can find in markets and stalls around the country. While the recipe for kobeba has evolved over the years to include different spices and ingredients, the core of the dish remains the same, providing a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion.

One of the great things about kobeba is how versatile it is. While the basic recipe includes meat and bulgur wheat, you can customize the dish to suit your tastes. Some people prefer to use lamb or beef, while others like to mix it up with ground chicken or turkey. The spices you use also play a big role in the flavor of kobeba, and you can experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect balance.

And while it may seem intimidating at first, making kobeba is actually quite simple. The key is to start with good quality ingredients, including high-quality meat and fresh spices. You’ll also need a meat grinder to grind your meat and a food processor to blend your bulgur wheat and spices. Once you have all of your ingredients ready to go, you can start mixing everything together until you have a firm, dough-like mixture.

From there, you can stuff your kobeba with your choice of filling and then either fry or bake them until they are golden brown and crispy. Many people like to serve their kobeba with tahini sauce or a garlic yogurt sauce for a creamy, tangy complement to the savory spices in the dish.

Overall, if you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that is packed with history and flavor, then Egyptian kobeba is the perfect recipe for you. With its savory meat and bulgur wheat mixture, along with a variety of spices and fillings, it is a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full and satisfied. So why not give it a try and experience the rich culinary traditions of Egyptian cuisine for yourself?

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup fine ground bulgur wheat
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ground allspice
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the filling:

• 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp ground allspice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the bulgur wheat in cold water for about 30 minutes or until it has absorbed all the water.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, soaked bulgur, onion, allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and salt.

3. Add the water and mix well, kneading the mixture for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and firm.

4. In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the filling by combining the ground meat, onion, pine nuts, oil, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Take a small portion of the kobeba dough (about the size of a golf ball) and shape it into a small cup or ball. Place a spoonful of the filling inside the cup or ball, then seal the dough around the filling with your fingers, making sure it is well sealed.

6. In a frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the kobeba. Fry the kobeba in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

7. Drain the kobeba on paper towels to remove excess oil.

8. Serve hot with tahini sauce or yogurt dip. Enjoy!

• Egyptian