Kuwaiti-inspired Spiced Bites

Ingredients

While the original Italian Cicchetti is typically made with ingredients like olives, cured meats, and seafood, this Kuwaiti-inspired version incorporates traditional Kuwaiti spices and flavors. The use of cardamom, saffron, and sumac adds a distinct Kuwaiti touch to the dish, giving it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from the original. We alse have the original recipe for Cicchetti, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron
• 1/2 teaspoon sumac 1/2 teaspoon sumac
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g ground beef 200g ground beef
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cardamom, saffron, sumac, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until golden and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal the bites.
8. 8.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
9. 9.
   Serve the Spiced Bites warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Make sure to use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or lamb for a different flavor.
• Sumac — Sumac adds a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor to the bites. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef filling.
• Serve the Spiced Bites with a side of yogurt sauce or tahini dip for a creamy and refreshing contrast.
• Experiment with different fillings such as chicken, lamb, or vegetarian options like spiced lentils or mashed potatoes.
• If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the bites in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Bites as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter. They are best enjoyed warm and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spiced Bites on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or mint. The golden brown color of the bites paired with the vibrant filling creates an eye-catching presentation.