Kebbeh Labanieh (Kibbeh Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce)

This dish is a Lebanese classic—crispy kibbeh dumplings simmered in creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce. It’s comforting and delicious!

🌿 Ingredients

For the Kibbeh Dough:

• 2 cups fine bulgur (soaked for 10 min & drained)
• 250g ground lamb or beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp 7-spice or allspice
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for binding)

For the Kibbeh Filling:

• 250g ground lamb or beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp 7-spice
• 1 tbsp ghee or butter

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 kg plain yogurt (Greek-style or full-fat)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in ¼ cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp dried mint
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup water or broth

For Garnish:

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 tsp dried mint

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Kibbeh Dough

1. In a food processor, blend the bulgur, meat, onion, and spices until smooth.
2. Add flour (if needed) to help bind the mixture.
3. Knead the dough well, then cover and refrigerate for 30 min.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat butter or ghee in a pan.
2. Sauté the onions until soft, then add the ground meat and cook until browned.
3. Stir in pine nuts and spices, cook for 2 more minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Shape the Kibbeh Dumplings

1. Take a small ball of kibbeh dough and shape it into an oval.
2. Use your finger to hollow out the center, then fill it with 1 tsp of the meat filling.
3. Seal the edges and shape it into a smooth oval or ball.
4. Repeat until all kibbeh is shaped.

Step 4: Fry the Kibbeh

1. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry kibbeh until golden brown.
2. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

1. In a pot, whisk together yogurt, cornstarch mix, water, and salt over medium heat.
2. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens (about 10 min).
3. Add garlic and dried mint, and stir for another 2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Add the fried kibbeh to the simmering yogurt sauce.
2. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes so the flavors blend.
3. In a small pan, heat butter & dried mint, then drizzle over the dish.