Pumpkin Kibbeh

A Lenten staple, kebbet laa’tin is the definite mountain vegetarian kibbeh. It is easy to prepare with the garden’s bounty of pumpkin (which keeps all year, and from harvest to harvest) and wild herbs, the best of which is obviously homeyda, the spring wild sorrel leaves, which add a special lemony taste to the stuffing. If they are unavailable, you could use other leafy greens, such as Swiss chard (the best option after the sorrel), or a mix of available wild leafy greens (kale does a great job in kale countries!). You could try spinach, but sometimes it can be too watery. No matter which alternative you choose, a bit more sumac will give the desired lemony taste. The kibbeh balls keep well uncooked in the freezer.

1. To prepare the stuffing, soak the chickpeas overnight in water to cover. Drain, and rub in a kitchen towel to take off the outer skin. Break each chickpea in half. Peeled and halved chickpeas are nicer and tastier in the stuffing. Boil the chickpeas in water to cover for 20 minutes, then drain.

2. Chop the onion. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the cooked chickpeas and the sorrel, and stir just to mix well; lower the heat. Season with the sumac, the 7 spices, and salt to taste.

3. Peel the pumpkin and cut it into cubes. Boil in water to cover for 20 minutes, until tender, then drain and squeeze well with your hands. Add the bulgur (without washing or soaking it) to the warm pumpkin and knead well to soak the bulgur. Add the flour as needed to obtain a good dough. Add the lemon and orange zests. Finely chop the marjoram and basil, finely grate the onion, and add to the mixture. Season to taste with salt.

4. Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet until hot. Shape the kibbeh into walnut-size balls (see box), then deep-fry in the hot oil until light gold all over. Let drain and cool on paper towels. Serve at room temperature.