Easy Method Vegan Çiğ Köfte Recipe | Homemade Raw Turkish Bulgur Balls

bulgur

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Quinoa is a gluten-free alternative with a similar texture.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

pomegranate molasses

🥗Healthier: balsamic vinegar

💰Cheaper: honey

Balsamic vinegar adds sweetness and acidity.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: none

Dried herbs are more accessible and have a longer shelf life.

Place the fine bulgur and salt in the mixing bowl of your stand mixer. Pour hot water over it, mix well, and cover. Let it sit for about 6-7 minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water and becomes soft.

Prepare the rest of the ingredients while the bulgur is resting. Peel and finely grate the onion or blitz it in a food processor. Juice the grated/blitzed onion using a clean kitchen cloth or a fine sieve. Keep the onions for Çiğ Köfte and store the juice for making Lamb Shish Kebabs or Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofte - Izgara Kofte.

Add the grated onions to soaked bulgur along with minced garlic, tomato paste, red pepper paste, ground cumin, paprika, sumac, chili flakes, isot, olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, all spice, and black pepper.

Attach the paddle to the stand mixer and knead the mixture for about 10 minutes. Add the chopped parsley and continue kneading for another 5 minutes, until the mixture sticks together.

Take small portions of the mixture and shape them with your fingers to create slightly elongated, oval shapes with indentations. This recipe yields 30-35 pieces, depending on the size of your meatballs.

Serve your meatless Çiğ Köfte on a platter with fresh lettuce leaves and lemon wedges. To eat, take a piece of lettuce, place a köfte in the middle, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over it, wrap it up, and enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary