Vegetarian çiğ köfte (bulgur balls)

Turkish balls of fine bulgur kneaded with tomato, spices and herbs, with no cooking. Spicy and fragrant, they are eaten in lettuce leaves with lemon, street-food style.

Prep: 30 min  |  Cooking: 0 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Medium

Calculated per serving from the Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 110 kcal · 5 g protein · 17 g carbohydrate · 1 g fat

Ingredients

• 200 g fine bulgur
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tbsp pepper paste
• 1 onion
• 1 bunch of parsley
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 lemon

Method

1. Moisten the fine bulgur with a little hot water.
2. Knead it thoroughly with the pastes, onion and spices.
3. Add the parsley and shape into balls, pressing them in your hand.
4. Serve in lettuce leaves with lemon.

Nutritional benefits

Bulgur provides complex carbohydrates and fibre, the tomato and pepper pastes provide lycopene and vitamin C, and the spices and herbs provide antioxidants. With no cooking and no meat (modern version), çiğ köfte is a plant-based Turkish snack, fragrant and filling. Best enjoyed in small portions.

Variations and substitutions

• Spicier: chilli, isot pepper.
• With pomegranate molasses for tang.
• As a wrap in a lettuce leaf or lavash.
• With crushed walnuts.

Storage and making ahead

Keep for 2 days in the fridge; best fresh.

💡 Good to know

The secret of çiğ köfte is long kneading: it develops the texture and works the flavours into the bulgur.

Related reading

Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · healthy & balanced recipes · high-protein recipes.

Ingredients in this recipe: bulgur · tomato · pepper · onion · parsley.

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