Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh
Round kibbeh stuffed with onion and spiced meat enriched with a little extra fat, then grilled over charcoal until smoky and crisp — one of four shapes made from a single Idlib dough.
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Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 1 kg Fine bulgur (burghul naaem)
- 500 g Beef
- 3 medium Onions (for the dough)
- 2 medium Onion (for the filling)
- 300 g Ground beef (for the filling)
- 50 g Lamb or beef fat (for the filling)
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Hot red pepper (filfil harra)
- 1.5 tsp Seven-spice (sabaa baharat)
- 1 tsp Cumin
Instructions
- Make the dough: rinse and soak the fine bulgur, then squeeze it dry. Pass the beef, onions, and bulgur through a meat grinder together until they blend into one smooth, workable dough.
- Season the dough with the salt, hot red pepper, seven-spice, and cumin, and knead until even.
- Make the filling: sauté the diced onion until golden, add the ground beef and the extra fat, season lightly, and cook until browned. Let cool.
- Wet your hands. Take a portion of dough, roll it into a ball, and press a deep cavity into the centre.
- Fill with the onion-and-meat filling and seal into a smooth round.
- Grill over hot charcoal, turning, until the shell is crisp and lightly charred and the filling is hot through.
- Serve hot with plain yogurt and a fresh salad.
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Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh?
Round kibbeh stuffed with onion and spiced meat enriched with a little extra fat, then grilled over charcoal until smoky and crisp — one of four shapes made from a single Idlib dough.
Where is Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh from?
Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh comes from Idlib Syrian. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh vegetarian?
No — as written, Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh includes meat, fish, or meat-based stock, so it is not vegetarian. See the ingredient list for the specific ingredients used.
What can I use instead of seven-spice (sabaa baharat) in Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh?
The seven-spice (sabaa baharat) called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh?
In a Syrian mains spread, Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh is typically served with rice or warm flatbread, a simple salad such as fattoush or tabbouleh, and pickles or yogurt on the side.
Can I make Kibbeh Mdawara — Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Kibbeh ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.