Baked Kotalks / Baked Kubba

Baked kubba, is a classic Kurdish dish cherished for its savory layers and fragrant spices. This comforting meal features a rich beef filling encased in a flavorful dough made from bulgur and semolina, all baked to perfection. It's perfect for hearty family dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients for the Dough

🌾 2 cups of #1 bulgur
🌾 1 cup of semolina
🌾 1 cup of flour
🍞 1/2 tablespoon of yeast
🧂 1 tablespoon of salt
🌶️ 1 teaspoon of black pepper
🌿 1 teaspoon of allspice
🫒 1/2 cup of oil
💧 1/4 cup of water

Ingredients for the Filling

🥩 1-2 pounds of ground beef
🧅 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
🧄 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
🌶️ 1 small bell pepper, chopped
🍅 1 tomato, chopped
🌿 1 cup of parsley, chopped
🐔 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon
🧂 1/2 tablespoon of salt
🌿 1 teaspoon of cumin
🌿 1 teaspoon of curry powder
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red peppers

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

Rinse the bulgur thoroughly to remove excess water.
In a large bowl, combine the bulgur with semolina, flour, yeast, salt, black pepper, and allspice.
Add oil and water, mixing until well combined. Knead the mixture into a dough.
Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

2- Make the Filling:

In a pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 10 minutes until browned.
Add the chopped onions, garlic, bell pepper, and all the spices. Stir and cook for another 10 minutes.
Add the chopped tomato and parsley, mix well, and turn off the heat. Allow the filling to cool.

3- Assemble the Kubba:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grease a baking dish with oil. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
Press half of the dough onto the bottom of the baking dish, flattening it evenly.
Spread the cooled meat mixture over the dough.
Cover the meat with the remaining dough, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1 tablespoon of oil.
Brush this mixture over the top of the dough.

4- Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown.

5- Serve:

Allow the kubba to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Kurdish dish!

Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories per Serving: Approximately 350
Proteins: 20g
Fats: 18g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Equipment: Large bowl, baking dish, skillet