Istanbul's Traditional Dishes Are VEGAN?! Turkish Street Food + Türkiye's National Dish

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: textured vegetable protein

Lean turkey reduces fat content while TVP is a budget-friendly meat substitute.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: chopped walnuts

Sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch with fewer calories, while walnuts are more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier with a higher smoke point, while canola oil is cost-effective.

bulgur

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Quinoa is a complete protein, while rice is often less expensive.

Add the bulgur to a large bowl along with 400ml of boiling water. Give it a stir and set aside for at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients: grate the tomatoes, set aside the pulp with its juices and discard the skin; peel and finely grate the onion, squeeze out and discard as much water as possible and set the flesh aside; peel and grate or crush the garlic; add the walnuts to a small food processor and crush to a fine flour.

Transfer the bulgur to a food processor along with the prepared and all of the remaining ingredients (apart from the lettuce and lemons). Then blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally, until the bulgur tastes tender and everything is evenly mixed. If it doesn't mix completely, transfer to a bowl and give it a last mix by hand.

It’s easiest to shape the Çiğ Köfte while wearing kitchen gloves, if you have them. Otherwise, simply moisten your hands with water. Take a small piece of the mixture (around 30g) and shape it into a small sausage, then press it in your fist, making the indents with your fingers, to give it the iconic shape. Repeat with the rest, arranging the shaped Çiğ Köfte on a large platter as you go.

To serve, separate the lettuce leaves and cut them into squares large enough to hold a Çiğ Köfte. Cut the lemon into wedges. Divide the lemons over the tray, then serve the Çiğ Köfte alongside the lettuce. To eat one, place it on a lettuce leave, drizzle with lemon juice and tuck in.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens