Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup of cooked red lentils
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of fine bulgur
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup of pomegranate molasses
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of dried currants
- 1/4 cup of dried apricots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of dried figs, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse the cooked chickpeas and red lentils until they are coarsely mashed.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed chickpeas and lentils with the chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, salt, black pepper, and fine bulgur. Mix well.
4. Add the olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh mint, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh cilantro, pomegranate molasses, chopped walnuts, dried currants, dried apricots, dried figs, dried cranberries, and breadcrumbs to the mixing bowl. Mix well.
5. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
6. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake the balls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
8. Serve the vegetarian Tabriz köftesi warm or at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 20-25 köftesi
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use canned chickpeas and red lentils instead of cooking them from scratch.
- You can use quinoa instead of bulgur.
- You can use any combination of fresh herbs that you like.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of pomegranate molasses.
- You can use any combination of dried fruits and nuts that you like.
Variations:
- You can add crumbled feta cheese to the mixture for a non-vegan version.
- You can serve the köftesi with a yogurt sauce or a tahini sauce.
- You can make larger köftesi and serve them as a main dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to finely chop the onion and garlic so that they blend well into the mixture.
- Wet your hands with water before shaping the köftesi to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- You can make the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking the köftesi.
Storage instructions:
Store the köftesi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the köftesi in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the köftesi on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, lemon wedges
Pairings:
Serve the köftesi with a side salad, hummus, or baba ganoush.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mediterranean Salad
- Roasted Vegetables
- Tzatziki Sauce
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little bit of water or olive oil.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs or bulgur.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the köftesi until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Store the köftesi in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 3 days.
Food history:
Tabriz köftesi is a traditional Turkish dish that originated in the city of Tabriz in Iran. It is typically made with ground meat, bulgur, and spices, but this vegetarian version is a modern twist on the classic recipe.
Flavor profiles:
The köftesi has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the combination of spices, herbs, and dried fruits.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the köftesi as an appetizer or a side dish at a party or a family gathering.
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Region: Turkish