Baked Vegetarian Kibbeh Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

If you’ve ever been intrigued by Middle Eastern cuisine, vegetarian kibbeh is a must-try dish that beautifully blends wholesome ingredients with vibrant spices. Traditionally made with bulgur and a savory meat filling, this baked vegetarian version offers a delightful twist that’s perfect for anyone seeking a hearty, plant-based meal.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, baked vegetarian kibbeh delivers a satisfying texture and rich flavor without the need for frying.

This recipe is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, as it tastes just as delicious reheated. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, thanks to bulgur wheat, lentils, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply want to reduce your meat intake, this baked vegetarian kibbeh is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian kibbeh is a fantastic way to enjoy one of the most beloved Middle Eastern dishes without meat. This recipe is not only healthier but also easier to prepare since it skips the frying step, making it lighter on calories and oil.

The combination of bulgur, lentils, and walnuts creates a delightful texture that mimics the traditional meat filling, while the spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cumin infuse the dish with warm, aromatic flavors.

Baking the kibbeh ensures it’s perfectly cooked through and evenly crisped on top.

It’s also versatile — you can customize the filling with your favorite veggies or nuts. This recipe is perfect for entertaining or a cozy weeknight meal, and pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or tahini sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour, for binding)
• 1/4 cup cold water

Equipment

• Baking dish (9×9 inch or similar size)
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor or blender
• Skillet or frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Brush for olive oil

Instructions

1. Soak the bulgur: Place the bulgur in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let it soak for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain well, pressing out any excess water with your hands or a kitchen towel.
2. Prepare the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add spices and nuts: Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped walnuts and pine nuts, cooking for another 2 minutes until toasted and aromatic. Remove from heat and mix in the tomato paste, parsley, and mint. Set aside to cool.
4. Make the kibbeh dough: In a food processor, combine the soaked bulgur, cooked lentils, chickpea flour, and cold water. Pulse until the mixture comes together into a smooth, pliable dough. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon more water; if too wet, add a bit more flour.
5. Assemble the kibbeh: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil. Press half of the bulgur-lentil dough evenly into the bottom of the dish, creating a smooth layer.
6. Add the filling: Spread the cooled nut and herb filling evenly over the dough layer.
7. Top layer: Cover the filling with the remaining bulgur dough, pressing down firmly and smoothing the surface. Brush the top generously with olive oil to help it crisp up during baking.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.
9. Cool and serve: Allow the kibbeh to cool slightly before slicing into squares or diamonds. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the bulgur with quinoa or gluten-free cracked wheat and use gluten-free flour for binding.

You can experiment with the filling by adding sautéed mushrooms, finely chopped spinach, or even roasted eggplant for extra depth. If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili to the filling.

To achieve a perfectly smooth dough, make sure the lentils are soft and well-cooked before blending. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mash the lentils and bulgur by hand, but the texture will be less uniform.

Brush the top layer with olive oil before baking to get a crisp, golden crust. Alternatively, using melted vegan butter will add a rich flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baked vegetarian kibbeh pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber and tomato salad tossed in lemon juice and olive oil. You can also serve it alongside creamy tahini sauce or a tangy yogurt dip to add coolness and balance the spices.

For a complete meal, consider serving it with warm pita bread and a side of roasted vegetables. It also works great as a starter or appetizer at dinner parties.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might want to explore other delicious Middle Eastern inspired dishes like our Half Runner Beans Recipe for a wholesome vegetable side or try baking some fresh bread with our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe to complement your meal perfectly.

Conclusion

Baked vegetarian kibbeh is a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying dish that brings the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine into a meat-free and healthier form. By combining wholesome ingredients like bulgur, lentils, and nuts with fragrant spices and fresh herbs, this recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Its ease of preparation and baking method make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore vegetarian cooking without sacrificing flavor or complexity. Whether you are cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this baked vegetarian kibbeh will impress and delight.

Don’t forget to check out other creative recipes like our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the sweet treat of a Glazed Twist Donut Recipe to round out your culinary repertoire!

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