Baked Lebanese Pumpkin Kibbi Recipe: A Middle Eastern Delight
Lebanese Pumpkin Kibbi, a savory and wholesome dish, combines the rich flavors of bulgur wheat, aromatic spices, fresh spinach, and crunchy nuts, all baked together into a golden, satisfying casserole. This dish, traditionally served as a part of Middle Eastern feasts, has been reinvented into a vegan-friendly treat that’s both healthy and indulgent. The layers of savory pumpkin dough and spinach filling create a comforting, flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.
Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Course:
Appetizer
Diet:
Vegetarian | Vegan
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Kibbi Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Parangikai / Pumpkin) | 1, peeled and diced |
| Bulgur wheat | 1 cup, organic |
| Whole wheat flour | 3 tablespoons, organic |
| Sea salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | A pinch |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Spinach leaves (Palak) | 1 cup, chopped |
| Onions | 2, peeled and thinly chopped |
| Walnuts (or pine nuts) | ½ cup, coarsely chopped |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Red chili flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| All spice powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Sugars | 5 g |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kibbi Dough:
- Begin by peeling and dicing the pumpkin into small cubes. Cook the pumpkin in a pot with enough water to cover it, and boil until the pumpkin is soft and mushy, about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the pumpkin is cooked, strain any excess water and mash the pumpkin thoroughly with a fork or potato masher. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed pumpkin, bulgur wheat, whole wheat flour, sea salt, black pepper powder, and olive oil. Mix together using a spoon or your hands until the mixture begins to come together as a dough. The texture should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when pressed.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the thinly chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the onions and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and softens.
- Stir in the walnuts (or pine nuts), salt, red chili flakes, and all spice powder. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice to the mixture. Stir to combine.
3. Assemble the Kibbi:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease a shallow baking tray with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Divide the kibbi dough into two equal portions. Take the first portion of the dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared tray, spreading it evenly to form a smooth, firm layer.
- Next, evenly distribute the spinach and walnut filling over the dough layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- With the second half of the dough, gently spread it over the filling, pressing down lightly to cover it completely. Use wet hands to smooth out the surface and ensure that the dough fully covers the filling.
- Using a knife, score the top layer of dough in a diamond pattern, which will help the kibbi cook evenly and give it a lovely presentation once baked.
4. Bake the Kibbi:
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the kibbi for a golden finish.
- Bake the kibbi in the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the center; it should feel firm to the touch.
5. Serve:
- Allow the Baked Lebanese Pumpkin Kibbi to cool slightly before slicing into squares or diamond-shaped pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- For a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal, serve alongside warm pita bread and roasted red pepper hummus for a delightful appetizer spread at your next gathering.
Tips for Perfect Lebanese Pumpkin Kibbi:
-
Bulgur Wheat Substitute: If you can’t find bulgur wheat, you can use couscous or cracked wheat as an alternative. However, bulgur gives the kibbi its signature texture, so it’s highly recommended if available.
-
Spices: Adjust the level of spice according to your preference. If you enjoy a bit more heat, feel free to increase the red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
-
Make it Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the kibbi a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it on the day you plan to serve it, and it’ll still come out delicious.
-
Nuts: While walnuts are typically used in this recipe, pine nuts are also a fantastic choice and are often found in traditional Lebanese kibbi. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked Lebanese Pumpkin Kibbi is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
- Pita Bread: Soft, fluffy pita is the perfect companion to scoop up pieces of the savory kibbi.
- Hummus: Roasted red pepper hummus or traditional hummus makes an excellent dip to complement the flavors of the kibbi.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the kibbi.
- Salad: A crisp, fresh salad, like a cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon-oregano dressing, will provide a bright contrast to the hearty kibbi.
Conclusion:
Baked Lebanese Pumpkin Kibbi is a flavorful, healthy, and utterly satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. With its comforting pumpkin dough and savory spinach filling, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a light meal, this Middle Eastern delight is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, rich textures, and aromatic flavors. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with this vegan-friendly recipe!
