Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe Grape LeafKibbee Recipe

Kibbee Recipe

Inspired by The Grape Leaf
Time1h 30m
Serves6

three lebanese bulgar wheat beef croquettes, stuffed with lamb, onions, walnuts, served with tzatziki sauce

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

For the Kibbee

For the Tzatziki Sauce

Method

Preparing the Kibbee

  1. 1

    Soak the Bulgur Wheat

    In a bowl, soak the bulgur wheat in water for about 30 minutes or until it becomes tender. Drain and squeeze out excess water.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Filling

    In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the ground lamb, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the lamb is browned. Stir in the chopped walnuts and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

  3. 3

    Make the Kibbee Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine the soaked bulgur wheat, ground beef, and the cooled lamb filling. Mix thoroughly until well combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit of olive oil.

  4. 4

    Shape the Kibbee

    Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into an oval or football shape, creating a cavity in the center for the filling. Fill with a spoonful of the lamb and walnut mixture, then seal it back up and shape again.

Frying the Kibbee

  1. 5

    Heat the Oil

    In a large frying pan, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom over medium heat.

  2. 6

    Fry the Kibbee

    Carefully add the shaped kibbee to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Making the Tzatziki Sauce

  1. 7

    Combine Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, mix together the yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and chopped dill until well combined.

  2. 8

    Chill

    Cover the tzatziki sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

More from The Grape Leaf