Kibbee Nyi (Raw Kibbee)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs lean beef steaks or leg of lamb
• 1 cup medium Bulgar wheat (#2)
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves or 1 teaspoon dried mint, lightly crushed (distant second choice!)
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, to taste (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice, to taste (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, more to taste,probably lots more
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, more to taste
• 1/4 water, as needed (up to 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (optional)
• pita bread or romaine lettuce leaf, as accompaniments

Directions

1. 1

   Do not use purchased ground meat if you can avoid it.

2. 2

   Even extra lean has too much fat in it.

3. 3

   Wash bulghur and soak in hot water for about 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Drain well, and squeeze dry.

5. 5

   Trim fat and sinew from the meat, cut in chunks, and run through a grinder, using the finest plate.

6. 6

   Grind onion and mint, and in a large bowl, thoroughly mix with meat and spices.

7. 7

   Run mixture through the grinder again, and knead the olive oil into the mixture; if it feels too dry add a little water, and continue to knead.

8. 8

   Refrigerate for 30 minutes for flavors to develop, adjust seasonings, and knead again to combine thoroughly.

9. 9

   Mound on a shallow serving dish, pat down, and smooth the top and sides, using a little water on your hands to help.

10. 10

    Coat top lightly with olive oil, or if desired, drizzle melted butter over meat, and coat evenly.

11. 11

    Serve with pita bread or leaves of Romaine lettuce for scooping.

12. 12

    In addition to being to being delicious as is, raw, Kibbee Nyi is the basis for many cooked kibbee dishes, a few of which will be submitted separately.