Movie night snacks don’t have to be synonymous with guilt. We can satisfy those cravings in a delicious and healthier way! I’m always trying to find creative ways to make classics a bit better for me, and recently I got hooked on kibbeh.
Kibbeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from bulgur wheat, minced meat, and a flavorful mix of spices. Naturally, as a Brazilian, I couldn’t resist giving this dish my own little twist.
Kibbeh, Brazil, and a Healthy Upgrade
Kibbeh has found a loving home in Brazilian cuisine, likely due to the influence of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants. It’s a popular snack and appetizer that you’ll find everywhere. However, I wanted to create a version that fits better into my current healthy-eating goals.
My version swaps out the bulgur wheat for quinoa, a healthy and protein-packed grain. This adds a bit more texture and another healthy layer to the snack. The magic trick, though, is the air fryer. Instead of deep-frying, the air fryer gives the kibbeh that perfect crispy outside while keeping it juicy and tender inside – and a lot less greasy!
The Result: Delicious AND Guilt-free!
The kibbeh turned out amazingly well. The quinoa didn’t overpower the flavors but added a delightful nutty taste, and the air-frying gave it a delightful crisp. They’re also surprisingly filling! I garnished them with chopped mint and parsley for extra freshness and dipped them into a tangy organic tahini sauce. This was the perfect satisfying and guilt-free movie night snack!
Ready to try this? Here’s the simple recipe:
Healthy Kibbeh Snacks
Ingredients
- 350 g ground beef
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 shallot chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped mint and parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Organic tahini for serving optional
Instructions
- Mix it up: Combine the ground beef, quinoa, shallot, garlic powder, mint, parsley, salt, and pepper, in a large bowl, mixing well.
- Shape it: Scoop out portions of the mixture (a meatball scooper is handy here!) and shape them into oval balls.
- Air fry: Cook in the air fryer at 450ºF (232ºC) for about 15 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra mint and parsley. Serve with a side of tahini for dipping.