Cig Kofta (Spicy Anatolian Vegan Bulgur Balls) - Turkish

Ingredients

  • 2 cup Fine brown bulgur (for çiğ köfte)
  • 2 cup Boiling water
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 piece Dry onion (Large)
  • 2 piece Garlic (Large)
  • 2 tsp Hot red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp Sumac
  • 1 tsp Isot pepper (optional) (Optional)
  • 4 tbsp Pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tbsp Red pepper powder
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 100 ml Vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp Sweet red pepper paste (Heaping)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste (Heaping)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. In a deep bowl, combine the bulgur and salt. Mix well.

  2. Pour boiling water over the bulgur, stir, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

  3. Thoroughly mix the bulgur again and add all the spices.

  4. Puree the onion and garlic in a food processor. Squeeze out excess water using a cheesecloth, retaining only the pulp. Add the pulp to the bulgur mixture.

  5. Knead the mixture by hand for 2-3 minutes to combine. Add the red pepper paste and tomato paste, and knead lightly for another 1-2 minutes.

  6. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

  7. Shape the mixture into a tall, rounded mound in the bowl.

  8. Using an immersion blender, process the mixture for 5 minutes, pressing down from top to bottom. Clean the blender blade with a teaspoon as needed, and stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even processing. Briefly pause the blender as needed.

  9. Check the consistency. If it has softened to your liking, proceed to shaping. Otherwise, continue blending.

  10. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, for 30 minutes before serving.

  11. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve with a generous drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

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