Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp red pepper paste
- 1 tbsp pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
- 1 head lettuce, washed and dried
- 1 pack tortilla wraps
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Plastic gloves
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, fine bulgur, tomato paste, red pepper paste, pepper flakes, cumin, and salt.
2. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add the finely chopped onion, parsley, and green onions to the mixture and mix again.
4. Put on plastic gloves and knead the mixture for at least 10 minutes until it becomes sticky and pliable.
5. Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into a small ball.
6. Flatten the ball with your palm and place it on a lettuce leaf.
7. Fold the lettuce leaf around the mixture to form a wrap.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture and lettuce leaves.
9. Warm up the tortilla wraps in a pan or microwave.
10. Place the lettuce wraps on the tortilla wraps and roll them up.
11. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: None
Temperature:
Room temperature
Serving size:
Makes 6-8 wraps
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total carbohydrate: 25g
Dietary fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Fine semolina can be used instead of fine bulgur.
- Any type of lettuce can be used instead of head lettuce.
- Flour tortilla wraps can be used instead of corn tortilla wraps.
Variations:
- Add chopped mint leaves to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Add pomegranate molasses to the mixture for a tangy taste.
- Serve with a side of yogurt sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Use plastic gloves to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Knead the mixture well to achieve the right consistency.
- Adjust the amount of pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Serve the wraps immediately to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Storage instructions:
The mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
The wraps can be reheated in a pan or microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the wraps on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley leaves, lemon wedges
Pairings:
Serve with a side of pickled vegetables and a cold glass of ayran (a Turkish yogurt drink).
Suggested side dishes:
Tabbouleh salad, hummus, baba ganoush
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato paste.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more fine bulgur or semolina.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
- Keep the mixture refrigerated until ready to use.
- Serve immediately after preparing.
Food history:
Çiğ köfte is a traditional Turkish dish made with raw ground beef and spices. It is believed to have originated in the southeastern region of Turkey.
Flavor profiles:
Spicy, savory, earthy
Serving suggestions:
Serve the wraps as a light lunch or snack.
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Region: Turkish