Kibbeh nayyeh

Kibbeh nayyeh or raw kibbeh is a Levantine mezze. It consists of minced raw lamb mixed with fine bulgur and spices.

Kibbeh nayyeh is often served with mint leaves, olive oil, and green onions. Lebanese bread is used to scoop it. Sometimes a sauce of garlic or olive oil is served. The dish has a unique versatility in that any leftovers are cooked, creating a different dish.

Many recipes call for kibbe nayyeh as the "shell" for cooked kibbe, as well. In this case, however, the kibbe nayyeh is rolled into a ball and stuffed with lamb, onions, pine nuts and spices, then fried.

As in other dishes based on raw meat, health departments urge to exercise extreme caution when preparing and eating this kind of food.