Levantine

Levantine Kibbeh Labanieh

Meat-stuffed kibbeh dumplings cooked in a velvety yogurt sauce infused with garlic and cilantro.

45 min 4 servings 485 cal/serving Medium 11 views
Levantine Kibbeh Labanieh

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Yogurt
    In a large pot off the heat, whisk together the yogurt, dissolved cornstarch, water, and a pinch of salt using a hand whisk until completely smooth and homogeneous. · 2 min
  2. Boiling the Yogurt
    Place the pot over medium heat, stirring constantly in one direction without stopping until the yogurt comes to a boil and the first bubbles appear. · 10 min
  3. Cooking the Kibbeh
    Gently drop the kibbeh dumplings one by one into the boiling yogurt, then reduce the heat to low and let them simmer gently without vigorous stirring to prevent the dumplings from breaking apart. · 10 min
  4. Preparing the Tempering
    In a small skillet, melt the ghee and add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, then add the fresh cilantro and dried mint and stir for one minute. · 2 min
  5. Final Combining
    Pour the garlic and cilantro mixture over the yogurt and kibbeh, gently swirl the pot to incorporate, and let it simmer for two additional minutes to meld the flavors. · 2 min
  6. Serving
    Pour the kibbeh and yogurt into a wide, deep serving dish, garnish the surface with toasted pine nuts and a bit of fresh cilantro, and serve hot alongside vermicelli rice.

Nutrition / serving

485
cal
26
protein g
44.5
carbs g
22
fat g

Chef's tips

To ensure the yogurt does not curdle (separate), make sure to thoroughly whisk the cornstarch and yogurt while cold, stir continuously in one direction until boiling, and avoid stirring vigorously with a spoon after adding the kibbeh dumplings.