Cig kofte (effortless Turkish çiğ köfte)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
16 pieces
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Calories
52 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern, Turkish
Cig kofte (effortless Turkish çiğ köfte)
Description
This version of cig kofte starts by soaking fine bulgur in boiling water until hydrated and tender. A blend of parsley, onion, scallions, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, sweet pepper paste, salt, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and lemon juice is added, then kneaded thoroughly to create a cohesive, elastic dough. The dough is shaped into traditional small ovals or pressed with ridges that help hold onto dipping sauces and lemon juice.
The result is a tangy, spicy, herbaceous preparation with a chewy texture from the bulgur. Serving it wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and squeezed lemon juice adds freshness and a bright contrast. Optionally, it can be served with grilled pita and sauces for a heartier presentation.
Shaping with wet or lightly oiled hands helps manage the dough’s stickiness. The ridged shapes also allow flavors to cling better when dipped. This raw bulgur preparation is flavorful without cooking, relying on the hydration and kneading process for texture.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups bulgur fine-grade
- ¾ cup water boiled
- ½ cup parsley flat-leaf, minced
- ⅓ cup onion finely chopped
- 1 scallion minced
- ¾ teaspoons red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 teaspoons tatli biber salcasi Turkish sweet pepper paste
- ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 4 teaspoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
To serve:
- Boston lettuce or bib lettuce leaves
- lemon wedges
- kuboos freshly grilled, optional
Instructions
- Place the extra fine bulgur wheat in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Place a lid or plate over the bowl and allow the burger to steam and hydrate for 15 minutes.
- Add the parsley, onions, scallions crushed red pepper flakes, tomato paste, pepper paste, salt, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Knead the bulgur mixture for 8 minutes by hand, or 6 minutes on medium speed in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until the bulgur forms a pliable and smooth dough.
- Working with about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, press the burger in your fist to make the typical Çiğ Köfte form. Or round it between lightly oiled palms to form smooth small oval shapes similar to kofta, if you prefer that shape.
- Serve the traditional way wrapped in lettuce leaves with lemon juice, or in a freshly grilled pita bread with veggies and sauces of your choice. Check out my killer tahini sauce recipe or serve it with the tzatziki sauce from my kofta recipe if you like!
Notes
- Shape the dough using wet or lightly oiled hands to prevent sticking and create smooth or ridged forms.
- The ridges on the cig kofte help retain lemon juice and dips for enhanced flavor.
- Serve wrapped in lettuce leaves with fresh lemon wedges for a traditional experience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16pieces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 52 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 52kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 132mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 88mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 205IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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