Kibbeh with garlic yogurt sauce

Kibbeh with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe: a dish full of flavors and tradition

Middle Eastern cuisine offers a variety of dishes that combine simple yet characterful ingredients, and kibbeh with garlic yogurt sauce is no exception. This dish combines the unique texture of bulgur with the intensity of spiced meat, achieving a perfect balance between deep and fresh flavors. The incorporation of a creamy and aromatic garlic yogurt sauce enhances every bite, inviting a sensory journey that comforts on cold days and special nights alike. Thanks to the versatility of its ingredients and its preparation, this dish has become a favorite in many families, even becoming part of the table during celebrations. The key to achieving perfect kibbeh lies not only in the technique, but also in the quality and freshness of the ingredients, which in 2025 continue to be the foundation of good home cooking. Here, every step is designed so you can surprise your loved ones with a dish that is at once delicious, nutritious, and representative of the rich gastronomic culture of the Middle East.

Preparation time

• Preparation: 45 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Difficulty: Medium

Essential ingredients for an authentic kibbeh with garlic yogurt sauce

For the kibbeh dough

• 300 g of fine bulgur, washed and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
• 250 g of minced lamb or beef
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons of flour (optional, to help bind the dough)

For the filling

• 250 g of minced lamb or beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Pepper, salt and spices to taste
• A handful of pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of clarified butter or ghee
• Fresh spearmint for flavoring

For the garlic yogurt sauce

• 4 cups of natural yogurt, preferably full-fat
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (to stabilize the sauce)
• 1 clove of garlic, pressed or finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh spearmint leaves finely chopped
• Lemon juice to taste

Essential utensils for your kitchen

• Large container to hydrate the bulgur
• Food processor or blender to mix the dough
• Large pot to boil the kibbeh
• Deep pan for frying or cooking the filling
• Colander or strainer
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Container to prepare the sauce
• Spoons and spatulas for handling the ingredients

Preparing kibbeh with garlic yogurt sauce step by step

1. Prepare the kibbeh dough

• Soak and drain: The bulgur, once soaked in warm water for ten minutes, is drained well to remove excess water. This helps achieve a better texture in the final dough.
• Mix ingredients: In a food processor, combine the bulgur, ground meat, grated onion, salt, pepper, spices, and flour (if desired). Process until a homogeneous and smooth dough is obtained, without lumps. If the dough is too wet, a little more flour can be added to make it easier to handle.
• Reserve: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest while you prepare the filling.

2. Prepare the filling

• Sauté onion: In a frying pan, heat the ghee or oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent and fragrant.
• Cook the meat: Add the minced meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and well done. Incorporate pine nuts or walnuts and chopped spearmint to give it additional aroma and texture.
• Cool: Let the filling rest and cool before using it to facilitate assembly.

3. Assemble the kibbeh

• Form balls or discs: Take a portion of the dough, moisten your hands, and form a ball with a diameter similar to a golf ball.
• Make a hole: With your thumb, gently press in the center to create a hollow.
• Fill: With a teaspoon of the filling, place it inside and carefully close by pressing the edges to seal, forming a ball shape or a cylinder shape, rugby tower style.
• Repeat until the dough and filling are finished.

4. Cook the kibbeh

• Boil: In a large pot with salted water, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and carefully cook the kibbeh for 7-10 minutes, until they float to the surface and are firm.
• Drain: With a slotted spoon, remove the kibbeh and place them on kitchen paper to remove excess water.

5. Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce

• Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine yogurt, cornstarch, pressed garlic, salt, and olive oil. Whisk gently until combined and starting to thicken.
• Add aromatics: Incorporate the chopped mint leaves and a splash of lemon juice for a fresh and acidic touch.
• Heat and thicken: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent the yogurt from curdling, until the sauce has the desired texture.

6. Combine all flavors and serve

• Incorporate the kibbeh into the sauce: Gently place the kibbeh in the hot sauce and let them simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to integrate.
• Serve: Make sure to remove the mint leaves and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve with pita bread, pilaf rice, or a fresh salad.
• Final decoration: Garnish with fresh mint, a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, and some toasted pine nuts to enhance the texture.

To finish and serve

This dish is best enjoyed when still hot, allowing the yogurt sauce to remain creamy and the kibbeh perfectly cooked. You can accompany it with a fresh salad or Arabic bread for a complete experience. The key is to adjust the seasoning and texture, ensuring that each bite is an explosion of traditional flavors and a delight for the palate.

Practical tips for perfect kibbeh with garlic yogurt sauce

• Use fresh ingredients: The meat, mint, and garlic offer greater aroma and flavor if they are of excellent quality and freshness.
• Control the humidity: The dough should not be too wet to prevent them from opening when cooked.
• Correct sealing: Always seal the kibbeh well so they don't open during cooking in water or in the pan.
• Time the cooking: Do not overcook the kibbeh so that it does not become dry or hard.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, lemon, and herbs before serving for a balanced flavor.

Approximate nutritional information per serving of this delicious dish

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Proteins: 25 g
• Fats: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g

These values are estimated and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portions.

5 keys to make your kibbeh in garlic yogurt sauce unbeatable

1. The balance of spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and pepper add aroma and complexity, but without dominating the flavor of the dish.
2. The texture of the dough: Soaking and draining the bulgur well is vital for it to be soft and easy to handle.
3. The filling just right: Cooking the meat with spearmint and pine nuts enhances the flavor and keeps the filling juicy.
4. The sealing of the kibbeh: Make sure to close and seal the dough well to prevent them from opening when cooked in water or in the pan.
5. The perfect sauce: By mixing yogurt, garlic, and spearmint, you will achieve a silky and refreshing cream that perfectly complements the dish.

When to enjoy this delicious and comforting dish?

This kibbeh with garlic yogurt sauce is ideal for sharing at family gatherings, special celebrations, or simply for a quiet night at home. Its aromatic and nutritious profile makes it an excellent option for cold days or when you want to impress your guests with an authentic and easy-to-prepare recipe. Furthermore, it can be the star of a festive meal if you accompany it with fresh salads, artisanal breads, or even with a touch of lemon to further enhance its freshness. The versatility of this recipe allows it to be enjoyed in any season of the year, adapting small variations according to the season and the ingredients available in 2025, always guaranteeing an incredible and healthy flavor.