Enjoyed by millions around the world and is considered the national dish of Lebanon, Kibbeh is a food worth exploring. The fame of Kibbeh spread all over the world with the spread of the Lebanese diaspora. The latter contributed greatly to the marketing of the Lebanese culture worldwide which includes its signature food.
What is Kibbeh and Its many Forms and Shapes
Kibbeh is usually an oval shaped ball made of bulgur, which is cracked wheat, and meat. It is spiced in a particular way and filled with meat, pine nuts, onions and many other ingredients. Normally it serves as part of the larger Lebanese mezze or mezza and sometimes it acts as the main meal.
Kibbeh can be prepared in a variety of forms including the ball shaped ones as well as layered like a Lasagna. This layered form consists of typically three layers of bulgur (burghul) and meat that is stuffed with meat and onions. Moreover, Kibbeh can be eaten in a raw form similar to tartare. It is beaten in a special pot and prepared and enjoyed while being very fresh.
History of Kibbeh
Lebanon is a partially mountainous country. Historically many people were farmers and animal herders. On special occasions, animals were slaughtered, and their meat was eaten the same day. This is a trait similar to many other nations that consume raw meat, due to the lack of refrigeration historically, immediate consumption had been a necessity.
Therefore, Kibbeh is a type of food that cleverly utilizes raw meat which must be consumed fresh. The other forms of Kibbeh in terms of shape and preparation methods evolved later depending on the geographical region of the country.
Popularity of Kibbeh
Many countries in the Levant and Middle East enjoy the dish on a variety of occasions. The barbequed and fried forms are normally part of the mezze while the flat kneaded and cooked one is usually the main dish with its square or round flat shape.
Several Latin American countries enjoy Kibbe in slightly different fillings including cheese and/or vegetables. Some historians trace the origins of this type in the American continent to the large flock of immigrants originating from the Middle East and particularly Lebanon.
If you haven’t tried kibbeh or Lebanese food, then you are definitely missing out a lot. The country is at the intersection of many continents and it is a west-meeting-east culture. Food is one of the majour cultural aspects that allows you to understand countries and the national dish of Lebanon, Kibbeh, would definitely explain everything about the nation. Sahtein!
