Authentic Çiğ köfte Recipe Şanlıurfa, Turkiye

Name: Çiğ köfte
Prep time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 large onion, finely chopped; 50g (1.75 oz) red pepper flakes; 400g (14 oz) fine bulgur; 400g (14 oz) extra lean, tendon-free minced veal, chilled; 1 tbsp red pepper paste; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp salt; 1 medium tomato, ripe and grated; 5 spring onions, finely chopped; 5 fresh green garlic, finely chopped; 2 bunches parsley, finely chopped; GARNISH:; lettuce leaves; parsley

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Main ingredients

Traditional Çiğ köfte

PREP 1h

READY IN 1h

4.5

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Made with finely minced veal, bulgur, onions, garlic, and select Turkish spices like red pepper flakes, pepper, and tomato paste, the traditional çiğ köfte is the Turkish version of steak tartare. No cooking is required, but the mixture will need a lengthy kneading to get the right texture. The recipe is adapted from the gastronomy book Turkish Cuisine with Timeless Recipes.

Ingredients

6 Servings

1 large onion, finely chopped

50g (1.75 oz) red pepper flakes

400g (14 oz) fine bulgur

400g (14 oz) extra lean, tendon-free minced veal, chilled

1 tbsp red pepper paste

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp salt

1 medium tomato, ripe and grated

5 spring onions, finely chopped

5 fresh green garlic, finely chopped

2 bunches parsley, finely chopped

GARNISH:

lettuce leaves

parsley

Preparation

Step 1/9

Put the onions, red pepper flakes, and fine wheat bulgur in a large round stainless steel bowl with a rough bottom.

Step 2/9

Using the palm of your hand, knead the mixture thoroughly for 4-5 minutes.

Step 3/9

Add the minced meat, tomato and red pepper pastes, black pepper, and salt.

Step 4/9

If in season, add one ripe, grated tomato. The juice of the tomato will be absorbed by the bulgur. If a tomato is not used, a few pieces of ice can be added while kneading the mix.

Step 5/9

Knead for 15-20 minutes until the bulgur is soft. As you are kneading, moisten your hands occasionally with ice water. The mixture should reach a texture that can be shaped easily into meatballs.

Step 6/9

Add the spring onions, fresh green garlic, and parsley, and knead for another 5-6 minutes.

Step 7/9

Then moisten your hands, and shape the mixture into meatballs by squeezing with your hands.

Step 8/9

Arrange the çiğ köfte on top of lettuce leaves on a plate and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Step 9/9

Serve immediately with plenty of parsley and lettuce leaves.

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Rating And Comments

4.5