Içli Köfte - Turkish Stuffed Bulgur Dumplings

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) fine bulgur wheat 2 cups (400g) fine bulgur wheat
• 2 cups (470ml) boiling water 2 cups (470ml) boiling water
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the bulgur wheat in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until the bulgur absorbs the water and becomes soft.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, parsley, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Take a handful of the bulgur mixture and shape it into a small ball. Use your thumb to create a hollow space in the center of the ball, forming a pocket.
4. 4.
   Fill the pocket with a spoonful of the meat mixture, then carefully seal the bulgur dough around the filling, shaping it into an oval or cylindrical dumpling.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining bulgur and meat mixture.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot for frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed bulgur dumplings into the oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Içli Köfte hot with a side of yogurt sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bulgur — Make sure to use fine bulgur wheat for this recipe, as it will result in a smoother and more cohesive dough.
• Ground meat — Opt for lean ground beef or lamb to keep the dish healthier. You can also mix both meats for a more complex flavor.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the bulgur dough from sticking to your hands, wet your hands with cold water before shaping the dumplings.
• If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the Içli Köfte in the oven instead of deep-frying them. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
• You can customize the filling by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pine nuts, for an extra crunch.
• Serve Içli Köfte with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables to balance the flavors.
• Leftover Içli Köfte can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a few minutes before serving.

Serving advice

Içli Köfte is best served hot as an appetizer or main course. Arrange the golden dumplings on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves for an attractive presentation. Serve them with a side of tangy yogurt sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange the Içli Köfte on a bed of lettuce leaves or cabbage leaves. You can also sprinkle some sumac or paprika on top for a pop of color. Serve them with a side of yogurt sauce in a small bowl for dipping.