Armenian Kibbe Semak (Fish Kibbe or Kufte) Recipe

Serves/Makes: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds sea bass (or any white firm-fleshed fish) fillets
• 1 3/4 cups bulgur
• 1 cup water
• 1 large onion, cut into eighths salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons each grated orange rind and lemon rind
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/ 2 cup olive oil
• 3 large onions, finely minced
• 4 ounces pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

How to cook Armenian Kibbe Semak (Fish Kibbe or Kufte):

• Prepare the filling by heating the oil in a heavy saucepan. Add the onions and saute until golden. Stir in the pine nuts. Saute 5 minutes longer. Season with the basil. Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, soak the bulgur with the water for about 10 minutes.
• Grind the sea bass fillets with the one onion. Add the bulgur, salt, pepper and orange and lemon rinds.
• Dip your hands into cold water and knead until you have a soft mixture.
• Grease a 6×12-inch baking pan with quarter cup of the oil.
• Spread half the fish mixture over the bottom of the pan. Smooth the surface.
• Top with the onion-nut mixture. Spread remaining fish mixture over the filling. Smooth the surface.
• Cut into desired shape and size. Pour the remaining oil over the top.
• Bake at 400°F for 40 – 50 minutes or until golden brown and firm.
• Cool. Serve the Kibbe Semak cold.

Note:
Kibbe is a Middle Eastern dish made from a mixture of spiced meat or fish and bulgur wheat. It is typically served as an appetizer.

This recipe for Armenian Kibbe Semak (Fish Kibbe or Kufte) serves/makes: 6

The Armenian Kibbe Semak (Fish Kibbe or Kufte) recipe and the pictures are adopted from The Our Favorite Fish & Seafood Recipes Cookbook.Main Ingredient: Bass
Preparation Method: Baked 
Cuisine: Armenian