KIBBEH

Both tomato kibbeh and frakeh are based on kammouneh, an aromatic green looking bulgur, obtained by mixing fine bulgur in a food processor with basil, marjoram, mint leaves, parsley, dried rose buds, orange rind, black pepper seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon and dried hot chilies. Kammouneh is widely known in the south of Lebanon.

Tomato kibbeh, also known as tomato kammouneh, consists of kammouneh kneaded with diced raw tomatoes and served on a plate with a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Frakeh, another southern delicacy, is made with very finely ground raw meat mixed with kammouneh, formed into small, squeezed balls and offered as an appetizer before meals.