Chickpea and Burghul Kubba

posted on: Apr 12, 2025

By: Habeeb Salloum/Arab America Contributing Writer

Kubba is one of the best-known dishes in the eastern Arab world and the Arabs of the Middle East consider it, in all it various types, as the epitome of all food.  Yet, no matter what type of kubba, whether one based on meat or one of vegetable, all have burghul as a basic ingredient. There are many kinds of kubba, made in a myriad of different ways and even shapes and from different ingredients. From beef, fish and lamb to potatoes and chickpeas, especially for the Syrians and Lebanese, this ancient dish is the ‘Mother of all Middle Eastern Foods.’

However, kubba prepared with meat, usually lamb, is the most popular. It can be eaten fried or baked or even raw, in the same fashion as the French or Australian Tartare.  

This vegetarian version is just as delicious.  

My mother often made chickpea and burghul kubba in the summer when meat was scarce.  Little did we know as we munched on these fried zesty patties that one day the rest of the world could enjoy them.

Makes about 50 patties

2 cups cooked chickpeas

1 cup fine burghul soaked for 10 minutes in warm water, then drained by squeezing

out the water through a strainer

2 medium onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, crushed

4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1 cup flour

oil for frying

Place all ingredients, except flour and oil, in a food processor, then process until a soft paste is formed.  Place in a mixing bowl, then add flour and mix thoroughly, adding a little water or flour if necessary.  Form into golf size balls then flatten into patties about 1/4-inch thick.

In a saucepan, add oil 1 to 2 inches deep then fry patties over medium-high heat until golden, turning them over once.  Remove and place on paper towel to drain. 

Serve either hot or cold. 

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