North Lebanon is home to the Sunnis whereas most of the Shias hail from the southern part of the country, and this fish kibbeh is a Sunni northern specialty that is not often seen in other regions. You can prepare it in one large pie, as it is done traditionally, or you can shape it into 4 to 6 smaller pies depending on how large you want your individual portions to be.
SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS:
STUFFING
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium onions (11 ounces/300 g total), halved and cut into thin wedges
- ⅓ cup (50 g) pine nuts
- ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
- Sea salt
KIBBEH
- ¼ bunch cilantro (2 ounces/50 g), most of the bottom stems discarded
- 1 pound 2 ounces (500 g) skinless whitefish fillets
- 1 medium onion (5 ounces/150 g), peeled and quartered
- Grated zest of ½ unwaxed orange or lemon
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
- Sea salt
- ¾ cup (150 g) fine bulgur
TO FINISH
- Extra-virgin olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- To make the stuffing: Put the oil, sliced onions, and pine nuts in a medium skillet and place over medium heat. Sauté, stirring regularly, until the onion is soft and golden and the pine nuts have colored slightly, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with the pepper and salt to taste and mix well.
- To make the kibbeh: Put the cilantro, fish, and quartered onion in a food processor and process until you have a somewhat smooth mixture. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the citrus zest, cinnamon, pepper, and salt to taste.
- Rinse the bulgur under cold water and drain well. Add to the fish. Using your hands, mix until you have a smooth mixture. Pinch off a piece, pan-fry it to taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10-inch (25 cm) round baking dish with a little olive oil.
- Divide the fish kibbeh into two equal portions. Layer and decorate the kibbeh as per steps 6, 7, and 8 of Kibbeh bil-Saniyeh. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until done to your liking. Serve hot or warm.
