Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red pepper paste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sumac
- 1/4 cup red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dried mint
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 lemon, juiced
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor or mortar and pestle
- Plastic gloves
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bulgur, tomato paste, red pepper paste, olive oil, and water. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a food processor or mortar and pestle, grind the sumac, red pepper flakes, dried mint, parsley, and green onions until they form a fine powder.
3. Add the spice mixture to the bowl and mix well.
4. Add the salt, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl and mix well.
5. Put on plastic gloves and knead the mixture with your hands for at least 10 minutes, until it becomes a smooth and pliable dough.
6. Add the lemon juice and knead for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve the çiğ köfte with sumac on a platter, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400 per serving
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb can be used instead of ground beef
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs
- Lemon juice can be substituted with pomegranate molasses
Variations:
- Add chopped walnuts or pistachios to the mixture for added texture and flavor
- Serve with lettuce leaves for wrapping the çiğ köfte
- Add diced tomatoes and cucumbers to the platter for a refreshing touch
Tips and tricks:
- Use plastic gloves when kneading the mixture to prevent staining your hands with the red pepper paste
- Let the mixture rest in the fridge for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together
- Serve with a side of ayran, a traditional Turkish yogurt drink, to balance out the spiciness of the dish
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover çiğ köfte in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- The çiğ köfte is best served at room temperature and does not need to be reheated
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the çiğ köfte on a large platter with lemon wedges and parsley for garnish
- Arrange lettuce leaves around the platter for wrapping the çiğ köfte
Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges
- Parsley
Pairings:
- Ayran, a traditional Turkish yogurt drink
- Pickled vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Tabouli salad
- Hummus and pita bread
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little more water or olive oil
- If the mixture is too wet, add more bulgur
Food safety advice:
- Use plastic gloves when kneading the mixture to prevent contamination from raw meat
- Store the leftover çiğ köfte in the fridge and consume within 3 days
Food history:
- Çiğ köfte is a traditional Turkish dish made with raw ground meat and bulgur. It is typically seasoned with red pepper paste, spices, and herbs.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, tangy, and herbaceous
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the çiğ köfte with sumac as a main dish or as an appetizer with pita bread or crackers
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Turkish