Description
Çiğ köfte is a traditional Turkish dish made with fine bulgur, spices, and fresh herbs. This vegetarian version is flavorful, slightly spicy, and served fresh in lettuce leaves or flatbread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fine bulgur
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon isot pepper (or mild chili flakes)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Place the fine bulgur in a large mixing bowl and pour hot water over it. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes until softened.
- Add tomato paste, red pepper paste, grated onion, and minced garlic to the bulgur.
- Knead the mixture by hand for 10–15 minutes until smooth and paste-like.
- Add olive oil, pomegranate molasses, isot pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Knead until well combined.
- Mix in chopped parsley, green onions, and lemon juice, kneading briefly to incorporate.
- Take small portions and shape into oval patties by squeezing in your hand.
- Serve immediately with lettuce leaves or flatbread.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by varying isot pepper or chili flakes.
- Optional: add finely crushed walnuts for texture.
- Best enjoyed fresh; refrigeration is possible for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze, as texture and flavor will be affected.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
