Kibbeh safarjaliyeh or kibbeh bi'safarjaliyeh (sometimes kubbah), (Arabic: كبة سفرجلية) is a dish of Syrian cuisine that consists of lamb or beef chunks as well as kibbeh in safarjaliyeh, a broth consisting of quince, pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, and beef broth.[1] It is a variation of kibbeh, a common dish in Levantine cuisine.
Kibbeh safarjaliyeh is an authentic Aleppine dish.[2] [3] The city is known for its many variations of kibbeh with this and others mixing sour with savory flavors. It is thought that there are over 58 variations from the city.[4] While many of these variations have spread across the Levant, safarjaliyeh seems to have remained largely local to Aleppo.[5]
It is made by pounding bulgur wheat with ground meat into a paste and forming it into balls stuffed with butter and spices. The kibbeh is boiled before being simmered in the beef broth with the pomegranate juice, meat, and quince. Typically, the dish is served warm as an appetizer or first course. It also is primarily served in the fall and winter due to quince being in season and the dish's inherent warmth.
Safarjal (سفرجل) is the Arabic word for quince, the golden yellow pome fruit integral to the dish. Thus, safarjaliyeh is derived from it.