Khubzah bil a3shab - Lebanese Stuffed Bread Rolls

Ingredients

• For the bread rolls: For the bread rolls:
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 200g ground lamb 200g ground lamb
• 200g ground beef 200g ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt for the bread rolls. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the ground lamb, ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle.
8. 8.
   Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
10. 10.
    Place the stuffed bread rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground lamb and beef — Make sure to use lean ground meat for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute with ground chicken or turkey.
• Smoked paprika — If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used as a substitute, although it will not provide the same smoky flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Khubzah bil a3shab with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for a refreshing contrast.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat filling with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling to customize the flavors to your liking.
• These stuffed bread rolls can be made in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Khubzah bil a3shab warm as a main course or cut into smaller portions as an appetizer or snack. Accompany it with a fresh salad or pickles for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Khubzah bil a3shab on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint. The golden brown color of the bread rolls will be visually appealing, and the aroma of the spices will entice your guests.