Dive into the unique flavors of Kubbeh Hamusta, an exquisite Kurdish and Iraqi dish, known for its tantalizing tartness and comforting warmth. These dumplings, swathed in a sour broth, blend the earthy taste of bulgur and meat with the zesty kick of lemon and greens, offering a perfect symphony of flavors. Ideal for those seeking a dish that's both nourishing and full of character.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: Makes about 20 dumplings
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
Ingredients
For the Dumplings
- Fine bulgur: 300g (0.66 lbs / 10.6 oz)
- Lean ground beef: 200g (0.44 lbs / 7 oz)
- Onion, finely chopped: 100g (0.22 lbs / 3.5 oz)
- Salt: 5g (0.01 lbs / 0.17 oz)
- Ground black pepper: 2g (0.004 lbs / 0.07 oz)
For the Broth
- Swiss chard, chopped: 400g (0.88 lbs / 14 oz)
- Lemon juice: 60ml (2 oz)
- Chicken broth: 1.5 liters (50.7 oz)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 15g (0.03 lbs / 0.5 oz)
- Ground sumac: 10g (0.02 lbs / 0.35 oz)
- Salt: 5g (0.01 lbs / 0.17 oz)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Prepare Bulgur Mixture: Soak bulgur in warm water for 15 minutes. Drain and mix with ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Form Dumplings: Take a small amount of the bulgur mixture, flatten it, and fill with a teaspoon of ground beef. Close and shape into an oval.
- Cook Broth: In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add Swiss chard, lemon juice, garlic, sumac, and salt.
- Cook Dumplings: Gently place dumplings in the boiling broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the broth and dumplings into bowls.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Consistency of Bulgur: Ensure the bulgur is moist but not too wet for shaping.
- Lemon Juice: Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference of tartness.
- Sumac Substitute: If sumac is unavailable, use a little extra lemon juice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these dumplings vegetarian?
Yes, replace ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze Kubbeh Hamusta?
Yes, freeze the dumplings separately from the broth. Reheat gently.