Içli Köfte is a beloved Turkish dish made with a flavorful mixture of bulgur, ground meat, onions, and spices, formed into balls or patties, stuffed with a meat filling, and typically fried until crispy. It’s a delicious delicacy enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish.
Içli Köfte (Turkish Stuffed Meatballs)
Bulgar and ground meat dough stuffed with a seasoned meat filling, shaped into balls, and fried until golden brown, creating a delightful Turkish specialty.
Equipment
- bowl
- saucepan
- frying pan
- serving plate
Ingredients
- bulgur
- water
- tomato paste
- pepper
- salt
- ground cumin
- warmwater
- ground beef
- onion
- olive oil
- paprika
Instructions
- Place the fine bulgur in a bowl and add the hot water. Mix well and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water.
- Add tomato paste, pepper paste (or red pepper flakes), salt, and ground cumin to the soaked bulgur. Knead the mixture thoroughly, adding warm water gradually until the dough is pliable and holds its shape.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Season with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook until the meat is fully cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let the meat filling cool.
- Take a portion of the bulgur dough (about the size of a small orange) and shape it into a ball. Make a hole in the center with your finger, creating a cavity for the filling.
- Place a spoonful of the meat filling into the cavity and carefully close the dough around it, shaping it into an oval or cylindrical shape. Ensure the filling is completely enclosed by the bulgur dough.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.Fry the içli köfte in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Garnish the cooked içli köfte with chopped parsley and serve hot. They can be enjoyed plain or with a side of salad, yogurt, or lemon wedges.
Video
Notes
To properly shape the içli köfte, practice may be necessary. It may help to keep your hands wet with water to assist stop the dough from sticking.
To suit your tastes, add or subtract spices and seasoning from the meat filling.
For a healthy alternative to frying, you can either bake or simmer the içli köfte.
The savory blend of bulgur and seasoned meat makes Içli Köfte a delightful and satisfying dish if perfected, although it does require some work and skill. Savor these meatballs with a Turkish filling as a delectable starter or main dish!
To suit your tastes, add or subtract spices and seasoning from the meat filling.
For a healthy alternative to frying, you can either bake or simmer the içli köfte.
The savory blend of bulgur and seasoned meat makes Içli Köfte a delightful and satisfying dish if perfected, although it does require some work and skill. Savor these meatballs with a Turkish filling as a delectable starter or main dish!
Nutrition
Serving: 700g
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