Potato Kibbeh (faux Lebanese steak tartare/kibbeh nayeh)

Ingredients

Faux meat base:

3lbs yellow waxy potatoes

1/3 cup fine bulgur

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 to 2 cups of kammouneh*

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon high quality extra virgin olive oil

*Kammouneh:

3 cups fine bulgur rinsed and thoroughly drained and dried

1/2 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon ground allspice

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon dried ground basil

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less depending on how much heat you can handle)

**You can also get kammouneh for kibbeh nayeh from your local Lebanese butcher if you live in the Dearborn area. I have some stored in my freezer which I use to make this recipe.

For serving and garnishment:

Scallions

Basil

Mint

Jalapeno peppers

Sweet onions

Radishes

Walnuts

Lebanese pickles and olives

Pita Bread

High quality extra virgin olive oil

Directions

In a small bowl, combine 1/3 fine bulgur and warm water. Set aside for 30 minutes until soft.

Meanwhile, peel and boil your potatoes in a large pot until cooked and tender.

While your potatoes are boiling, make the kammouneh in the food processor by mixing the 3 cups of thoroughly drained bulgur (remove any excess moisture) with the kibbeh spices.

The bulgur will stay slightly crunchy and will take on a reddish hue.

Once your potatoes are thoroughly cooked, drain and rinse with cool water.

This step can either be done with a potato masher in a large bowl or in the food processor.

You will want to whip your potatoes while warm and incorporate the 1/3 cup of soft bulgur, tomato paste, kammouneh, olive oil, and salt and pepper until perfectly seasoned.

The amount of kammouneh that you add is flexible-start with 1 cup and if you feel it needs a bit more flavor and texture then add a bit more.

Spread the faux meat base on a plate, making grooves with the fork.

Top your base in the following order: 1) kammouneh 2) walnuts 3) scallions and herbs; Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil and serve alongside pita bread and fresh herbs and vegetables.

Images!

bon appetit