Kubba Hamuth

Kubba Hamuth is a beloved dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, especially popular in Iraq. It translates to "sour kubba" in Arabic, and it features flavorful semolina dumplings filled with spiced meat, cooked in a tangy tomato broth. While kubba has many variations across the region, Kubba Hamuth is unique for its sour taste, often achieved by using lemon juice or tamarind paste in the broth.

Ingredients

For the Kubba

• Semolina - 2 cups
• Water - for mixing and boiling
• Ground beef - 1 pound
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cooking oil - 2 tablespoons

For the Sour Broth

• Tomato paste - 4 tablespoons
• Water - 6 cups
• Lemon juice - 1/4 cup
• Salt - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Tamarind paste [optional] - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Cilantro - for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Kubba Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine semolina and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add water, mixing with your hands until a soft dough forms. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
2. While the dough rests, heat cooking oil in a pan, and sauté onion until translucent. Add ground beef, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Cook until the beef is browned. Set aside to cool.

Forming the Kubba

1. Once dough is rested, take a small portion, flatten it in your palm, and fill it with a spoonful of the meat mixture. Close the dough over the filling and shape into an oval. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.Cooking timer can be helpful to keep track of time.

Cooking the Broth and Kubba

1. In a large pot, combine 6 cups of water, tomato paste, lemon juice, salt, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring until well mixed.
2. Add minced garlic and [optional] tamarind paste. Let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes.
3. Carefully drop in the kubba dumplings. Let them simmer in the broth for 30 minutes or until cooked through.Cooking timer will ensure you don’t overcook the kubba.

Serving and Enjoyment Tips

Serve Kubba Hamuth hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with plain rice or warm flatbread. Consider offering lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy additional sourness. This dish makes for a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.