Kubba

The title is referring to the Mosul cuisine, Kubba (arabic: كبه). This week Sam, my linguist, placed an order for some food from outside the wire. It is a little more complicated than having a pizza delivered, but well worth it for a little taste of the Iraqi culture.

Since he was born in the area he gave me the scoop. The northern areas of Iraq are famous for some of the best kinds of wheat. From wheat they get a certain substance known as "borghul", which is wheat boiled, pealed and crushed. From this "borghul" "Kubba" is made.

Borghul is mixed with minced meat and hammered well. This it is flattened and pieces stuffed with meat and filled with nuts, sultanas, spices, parsley and onion. They are formed in shape of flat platters or round balls, then boiled and ready to serve. It can be made from beef or lamb. Today we ate beef because lamb is more expensive.

"Kubba" is ancient. It is mentioned in Assyrian and Sumerian writings. Scholars of these languages say it is can record that king Ashur Nsssir Bal II , once gave a banquet and "Kubba" was included in the menu. Be that as it may, "Kubba" today is at top of Mosulli foods. Until recently it was confined to the Mosulite families of Baghdad, but it has now become a popular dish in Baghdad and other cities.

I know what your thinking, it looks pretty plain. Sam suggested eating it with BBQ sauce (or ketchup), lettuce, and tomato (like below).

It was delicious. With my second Iraqi food experience I am beginning to see a pattern. Overly simplified, they eat a lot of food centered around bread and that look similar to quesadillas. :-)

Did you notice the Diet Coke can in the first picture? It is called Coca-Cola Light.