Kibbeh Bil Saynieh (Baked Kibbeh)

2 cups fine Bulgar (chia seeds or quinoa may be used instead for Gluten Free recipe)

2lb ground beef,lamb,or chicken
1onion
Spices:(if you have it 2-3tablespoons kibbeh spice)
2 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoon dry basil
1teaspoon allspice
1teaspoon black pepper
Salt
Other:
ghee for oiling the pan
2tablespoons ice water

Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion,chopped
1teaspoon ground cumin
1teaspoon allspice
1/2teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup pine nuts
salt
oil
Other:
1/2 cup olive oil
Bowl chilled water(prevent sticking to hands)

How2:
shell:
In a bowl clean and drain the Bulgar place into a food processor. add onion and spices pulse until onions are finely chopped.
add ground beef and pulse a few times until Bulgar is chopped and its well blended. you may add 1 tablespoon of iced water to help it along.
place in a bowl and set aside in the fridge for about 1hour to overnight. This ensures the Bulgar becomes soft and the flavors mix well.
Filling:
In a skillet add a bit of oil, saute the onion until soft but not browned.
add ground beef followed by spices. once done add pine nuts and set aside.

Assembly:
In a baking dish of choice. grease with some ghee.
divide the Bulgar meat mixture into 2 parts.
Place 1/2 the mixture into the bottom of THE  baking dish,you may wet hands slightly with the cold water in the bowl to allow you to spread and smooth out the mixture into the pan. do not press it to thin.

Once the first layer has been set, place filling on top,evenly distribute the mixture.
for the top it may get a bit tricky I do this in sections divide the meat mixture into balls and press flat between you hands,place over beef mixture.repeat until you have covered the top(Dip you hand in ice water to help you smooth out and fill in cracks.

Press down on the kibbeh, with a knife make cuts into the meat , this helps when cutting it after cooking. I place a small indent with my finger in the center, my grandmother taught me this it helps let you see the progress of it baking.

drizzle over the top the 1/2 cup of olive oil this seems like allot but the kibbeh absorbs it and it prevents it from becoming dried out.

Bake at 350DF until golden brown.
serve up as is or with some yogurt.

ENJOY!
NOTE:I am sorry I didnt get pictures of me making the outer part, I hope next time I make it I will get pictures and update the recipe. If you have questiosn feel free to comment!