Harput Köftesi with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup fine bulgur 1 cup fine bulgur
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Yogurt sauce: Yogurt sauce:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bulgur, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, parsley, mint, and olive oil. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small patties, about the size of a golf ball, and flatten slightly.
3. 3.
   Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the köftes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the yogurt sauce.
5. 5.
   Serve the köftes hot with a dollop of yogurt sauce on top. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bulgur — Make sure to use fine bulgur for this recipe as it cooks faster and blends well with the other ingredients.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the köftes.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh parsley and mint for the best flavor. If you can't find fresh mint, you can substitute it with dried mint, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the bulgur in warm water for 10 minutes before adding it to the mixture. This will help soften it and make it easier to incorporate.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the köfte mixture.
• Serve the köftes with a side of fresh salad and warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Harput köftesi hot, either as a main course or as part of a mezze platter. Drizzle some yogurt sauce on top and garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the köftes on a platter, placing a dollop of yogurt sauce on each köfte. Sprinkle some chopped parsley and mint over the top for a pop of color. Serve with warm pita bread and a side of salad.