Gluten Free Lebanese Kibbeh

Total time1 hr 35 min

Prep time35 min

Cook time30 min

4.6

(25)

Traditional kibbeh relies on bulgur wheat to bind the shell, which puts it firmly off the table for anyone avoiding gluten — but this version swaps in fine rice flour and pulls it off beautifully. The outer shell is a seasoned lamb paste blended with warm spices like allspice, cinnamon, and cumin, mixed with rice flour and a splash of ice water until it holds together like firm, pliable dough. Inside, a savory filling of browned lamb, toasted pine nuts, and more aromatic spice waits to be discovered with every bite. Each portion is shaped into that classic pointed-oval football, brushed generously with olive oil, and baked at high heat until deeply golden and cooked through. The result is a crisp, fragrant exterior giving way to a rich, nutty filling — the kind of dish that feels genuinely special for a weeknight dinner or a weekend spread. Serves four, and a cool dollop of yogurt with fresh mint on the side makes it feel like a full Lebanese table.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

For the kibbeh shell

1 cup fine rice flour
1 lb ground lamb
½ medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp fine salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp ice water

For the filling

½ lb ground lamb
½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
¼ cup pine nuts
½ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp fine salt
1 tbsp olive oil

For baking

2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing

For serving

plain yogurt, for serving (optional)
fresh mint leaves, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Make the filling: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the pine nuts to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly golden, about 2 minutes — watch closely, as they can brown quickly.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!