Iraqi Beef Kubba with Mint Yogurt

Iraqi Beef Kubba with Mint Yogurt is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Iraq. Kubba, also known as kibbeh in other parts of the Middle East, is a dish made from finely ground meat and bulgur or rice dough, often filled with a spiced meat mixture and shaped into dumplings or patties. In the Iraqi version, beef is commonly used and paired with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce that balances the richness of the kubba.

The outer shell of the kubba is made from ground beef mixed with soaked fine bulgur wheat, seasoned with salt and a hint of cinnamon or allspice. It is kneaded until it becomes dough-like in texture, which helps it hold together during frying or baking. The filling typically consists of sautéed ground beef cooked with onions, pine nuts, and a generous mix of spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and sometimes sumac or baharat. This creates a warm, savory interior full of texture and spice.

The kubba is formed by flattening a piece of the dough in your hand, adding a spoonful of the meat filling, and then sealing it into a football or oval shape. They are then either deep-fried to a crispy golden brown or baked for a lighter version. The contrast between the crispy outside and the soft, flavorful filling makes every bite satisfying.

What makes this dish truly stand out is the mint yogurt served on the side. It’s made by mixing plain yogurt with chopped fresh mint, garlic, and a touch of salt. The coolness of the yogurt complements the spices in the kubba perfectly and adds a refreshing note that brightens the entire dish.

Iraqi Beef Kubba with Mint Yogurt is ideal for gatherings or as part of a mezze spread. It’s filling, fragrant, and rooted in tradition. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main dish with rice and salad, it offers a delicious way to experience the depth and warmth of Iraqi home cooking.

Iraqi Beef Kubba with Mint Yogurt

3.77 from 100 votes

A delicious Iraqi beef kubba recipe served with refreshing mint yogurt.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• For the kubba:
• 500 g ground beef
• 1 cup fine bulgur
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• vegetable oil for frying
• mint yogurt
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup mint leaves chopped, fresh
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bulgur, onion, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Wet your hands and take a golf ball-sized portion of the beef mixture. Form it into an oval shape, then use your finger to create a hollow space in the center. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the kubbas in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mint leaves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Serve the beef kubbas with the mint yogurt sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 26gFat: 16gFiber: 4g

Calories: 350kcal

Meal Type: Snacks & Appetizers

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Cuisine

Keyword: beef, beef recipes

Cooking Method: Grilled

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: >45 Min

Level: Intermediate

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