Marak Kubbeh Adom, a Taste of Iraqi-Jewish Tradition

Step 1

For the Beet Soup:

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until onions are translucent. Add the beets and cook for a few minutes. Stir in the tomato paste. Add the paprika and season with salt and pepper, then add the chicken stock (of course it’s best to use homemade here, but just use the best quality you can. I have to admit, I used “chicken soup mix” because that’s what we have here, and it turned out great.). Allow to simmer over medium-low heat, uncovered, for at least an hour.

Step 3

Just before adding the kubbeh, stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Using an immersion blender, pulse to partially blend the soup (or carefully transfer about ⅓ to a blender). This step is optional and will depend on what texture you like your soup.

Step 4

For the Marak Kubbeh Adom

Step 5

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ras al hanout and toast, stirring, 1 minute. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking up with a spoon, until meat is cooked through. Remove from the heat and season with black pepper. If there is a lot of grease and fat in the pan then drain. Allow to cool, stir in cilantro, and set aside.

Step 6

Put the semolina and water in a large bowl and allow to sit for a few minutes until the water is fully absorbed. It should be soft, but not liquidy or sticky. Try to avoid adding additional water or semolina as it could become very sticky; if this happens discard and start over. Just trust me.

Step 7

Take a small amount of the semolina mixture and form a ball about the size of a ping pong, rolling it between your palms. Be sure your hands are clean and dry. Using your thumb, make a hole in the ball and work your way around the inside to hollow it out slightly. For those of you who have ever taken a ceramics class, it’s similar to making a pinch pot.

Step 8

Holding the hollowed out ball/cup in the palm of your hand, stuff a small amount of the meat filling into the cavity (you can use a spoon but I just use my hands and wipe it with a towel). Pinch the opening together and smooth over to seal. Roll in the palm of your hands once more and transfer to a parchment- or Silpat-lined baking sheet. Continue until the filling or dough is used up (I had a little extra filling).

Step 9

Note: Kubbeh / kibbe may be frozen at this point. Put the baking sheet directly in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the kubbeh to an airtight container. To eat, add the frozen kubbeh directly to the hot soup and cook for a little extra. The soup can be frozen too! But freeze separately.

Step 10

Add as many kubbeh as will comfortably fit in the pot without crowding (or less) and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Serve in large bowls, giving 2 to 3 kubbeh per person (they're filling). Enjoy!