Pumpkin Kibbe

View fullsize

View fullsize

Kibbe is a traditional dish that is very popular in the Middle East. It is a combination of finely ground ingredients (meat, potato, tomato…) , puréed onion and fine bulgur wheat kneaded together to create a dough that can be differently shaped and cooked. This version is purely vegan since the crust is made out of pumpkin flesh then stuffed with a luscious spinach chickpeas filling that is wholesome and flavorful.

A winner especially when pumpkin is in season, this kibbe will be the star of your table during the holiday season!

Print

Pumpkin Kibbe

Yield: 8

Author: Fida Milki

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 4 cups pumpkin purée
• 2 cups extra fine bulgur
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup flour

For the filling:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions julienned
• 3 cups cooked chickpeas
• 2 cups fresh spinach or Swiss chard leaves cleaned and shredded
• 2 tbsp sumac
• 4 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the crust:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 C).
2. Place the pumpkin purée in a big bowl then add the bulgur, onion, allspice, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Mix well until combined and let sit for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, add the flour to the dough and knead with your wet hands until you get a smooth dough.
4. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.

Meanwhile prepare the filling:

1. Mix the onions with the oil.
2. Heat a large skillet on high then add the onions. Lower the heat to medium and cook the onions stirring occasionally until transparent.
3. Add the chickpeas and the green leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add the sumac, pomegranate molasses, salt and pepper.
5. Mix well and cook for another minute then remove from the heat and let the mixture cool down.

Bring it all together:

1. Grease a 13-inch baking pan and firmly spread the first kibbe portion over the bottom and a bit along the sides.
2. Spread the spinach mixture over the dough.
3. Top with the second portion of the dough spreading it gently with your wet hands until smooth and it covers all the surface.
4. Use a knife to make diamond patterns along the kibbe surface.
5. Drizzle the top with some olive oil, place the pan in the heated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Broil for 5 minutes until golden.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
8. Slice and serve at room temperature with your favorite salad.