Kibbeh nayyeh facts for kids
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| Course | Hors d'oeuvre |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Lebanon |
| Region or state | Levant |
| Main ingredients | Minced raw lamb or beef, bulgur, spices |
| 0.1 kcal (0 kJ) | |
Kibbeh nayyeh (pronounced KIB-beh NAY-yeh) is a special dish from the Levant region, which includes countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It's a type of mezze, which means it's a small dish often served as an appetizer or part of a larger meal. This unique food is made from finely minced raw lamb or beef mixed with fine bulgur (a type of cracked wheat) and different spices.
Contents
What is Kibbeh Nayyeh?
Kibbeh nayyeh is a traditional dish from the Middle East, especially popular in countries like Lebanon and Syria. The name "kibbeh nayyeh" actually means "raw kibbeh." It's known for its fresh taste and unique texture.
How It's Made
To make kibbeh nayyeh, very fresh, lean raw lamb or beef is used. This meat is carefully minced (chopped very finely) and then mixed with fine bulgur. Spices like allspice, cinnamon, and mint are added to give it a delicious flavor. Sometimes, a little onion is also mixed in.
How to Enjoy It
Kibbeh nayyeh is usually served fresh and cold. People often enjoy it with fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and green onions. You can scoop it up with Pita bread, which is a soft, flat bread common in the Middle East. Some people also like to serve it with a sauce made from garlic or more olive oil.
Cooked Variations
One interesting thing about kibbeh nayyeh is that any leftovers can be cooked! When cooked, it becomes a completely different dish. For example, the raw kibbeh mixture can be used as the "shell" for other cooked kibbeh dishes. In this case, the raw mixture is shaped into a ball, stuffed with cooked lamb, onions, pine nuts, and spices, and then fried until golden brown.
Safety Tips
Because kibbeh nayyeh is made with raw meat, it's very important to be careful when preparing and eating it. Just like with any raw food, there's a small risk of getting sick if it's not handled properly. This is why it's always best to make sure the meat is extremely fresh and from a trusted source.
Where It's Popular
Kibbeh nayyeh is a popular dish among many communities in the Middle East. For example, it's a favorite food among the Druze people in Israel. It's also a common dish for Christians in the Middle East, especially during special holidays like Christmas and Easter.
See also
In Spanish: Kibbeh nayyeh para niños
