Syrian Baked Lamb Kibbeh (Kibbeh Bil Sanieh)

Step 1

In a large bowl, soak the bulgur in the tomato sauce and water for about 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. If a bit of water remains simply drain it out.

Step 2

After the bulgur is done soaking, add the lamb, grated onions, and salt to the bowl. Knead the mixture with your hands for several minutes as if it were bread, until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Refrigerate the mixture while you make the stuffing.

Step 3

In a non-stick pan, sauté the ground lamb on low-medium heat, breaking it up so that it cooks in tiny pieces. After about 8-10 minutes, when the meat is completely browned, add the chopped onion, pine nuts, allspice and salt. Kibbeh stuffing before mixing.

Step 4

Stir the ingredients together and cook the mixture another 8-10 minutes. Set the mixture aside to cool.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Step 6

Retrieve the Kibbeh Nayeh from the refrigerator and divide it in half. Wet your hands and cover the bottom and sides of a round 9” pan with one half of the raw lamb mixture. Pat it down gently so that it becomes a thin layer that entirely covers the pan.

Step 7

Once the entire pan is covered with the raw lamb mixture, add the cooked lamb mixture on top. Then add the remaining half of the raw lamb mixture on top of the cooked lamb, encasing it between the raw lamb layers.

Step 8

When the cooked lamb is completely covered, wash your hands and smooth out the top gently. Then cut a design or diamond shapes all the way through the Kibbeh by making diagonal cuts with a large knife, then cutting diagonals in the other direction to make diamonds. Dot each piece with a dab of butter.

Step 9

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top and sides are well browned. Check occasionally during baking and pour off any fat that comes to the surface and dispose of it. At the end of baking, to make the top crispier, you can broil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 10

Let the Kibbeh rest for a few minutes. Serve with Greek-style yogurt.