Middle Eastern Kibbeh

1. Place bulgur in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with water just to the top of the bulgur. Place in the microwave and cook on High 1 to 2 minutes until bulgur is swollen and the water is absorbed. Toss briefly and allow to stand until cool.

2. Place the mint leaves in the bowl of a food processor. Process, gradually adding onion through the feed tube, until both mint and onion are finely chopped. Stir the mint-onion mixture into the bulgur, with the cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir the bulgur mixture into the ground lamb and mix thoroughly. Using damp hands, shape the lamb mixture into small, palm-sized patties.

3. Place the olive oil in a skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the kibbeh patties and cook until outside is golden brown and center is cooked through, turning once, about 6 minutes on each side.

Cook's Tip

Kibbeh can also be baked in the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Press the lamb mixture evenly 3/4 to 1 inch thick into an 8x8 inch pan. Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over the top. Bake in preheated oven until the top is light brown, 35 to 40 minutes depending on thickness. Cool, cut into diamond pieces while still in the pan, and serve.