Cig kofte (effortless Turkish çiğ köfte)
This Cig kofte recipe is a breeze to whip up, taking just 15 minutes to hydrate the bulgur and another eight minutes to knead and shape the kofte. Plus, it's loaded with fresh herbs and spices that taste great and offer a range of health benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties to digestion aid. So get ready to impress your taste buds and the president of the universe (he’s always watching…) with this easy and healthy dish!
Servings: 16 pieces
Calories: 52kcal
Cost: $7.50
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups fine-grade bulgur
- ¾ cup boiled water
- ½ cup minced flat-leaf parsley
- ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 scallion minced
- ¾ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 teaspoons tatli biber salcasi
- ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 4 teaspoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
To serve:
- Boston lettuce or bib lettuce leaves
- Lemon wedges
- Optional- freshly grilled kuboos
Instructions
- Place the extra fine bulgur wheat in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Place a lid or plate over the bowl and allow the burger to steam and hydrate for 15 minutes.
- Add the parsley, onions, scallions crushed red pepper flakes, tomato paste, pepper paste, salt, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Knead the bulgur mixture for 8 minutes by hand, or 6 minutes on medium speed in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until the bulgur forms a pliable and smooth dough.
- Working with about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, press the burger in your fist to make the typical Çiğ Köfte form. Or round it between lightly oiled palms to form smooth small oval shapes similar to kofta, if you prefer that shape.
- Serve the traditional way wrapped in lettuce leaves with lemon juice, or in a freshly grilled pita bread with veggies and sauces of your choice. Check out my killer tahini sauce recipe or serve it with the tzatziki sauce from my kofta recipe if you like!
Notes
Either roll these into smooth small oval shapes with wet hands, or give them the classic squeeze shape with ridges made from the imprints of your fingers to soak up dips and lemon juice more easily.
Nutrition
Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.5mg