Turkish Cig Kofte Recipe – Turkey Special
Turkish Çiğ Köfte is a vibrant and spicy bulgur-based dish traditionally made with fine grain bulgur, tomato and pepper pastes, garlic, onion, and aromatic spices like cumin and isot pepper. Though originally containing raw meat, today it’s widely enjoyed in a vegan version, offering intense flavor with a soft, kneaded texture. It’s typically served wrapped in lettuce leaves with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing, zesty bite.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time40 min
- Total Time1 hr
Turkish Cig Kofte Ingredients :
- You may use 200 grams of minced meat (optional) along with these ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups of extra fine brown bulgur
- 1 cup of boiled water
- 1 bunch of finely chopped fresh flat parsley leaves
- 1 medium-sized finely chopped onion
- 3 finely chopped spring onions
- 4 tablespoons of finely crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of pepper paste
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Juice from half a fresh lemon
How to Turkish Cig Kofte
Place the extra fine bulgur in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Cover the cup with a kitchen towel and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will soften the bulgur without requiring extensive kneading
Rinse the bulgur and transfer it to a large round baking tray with sides about 5-6 cm high. Add finely chopped onions and crushed red pepper flakes. (Hold off on adding spring onions and parsley leaves for now; those will be added later.)
Knead the mixture vigorously with the base of your palm for 10 minutes.Optionally, add minced meat, pepper paste, tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, and salt. Continue kneading for another 20 minutes until the bulgur is completely softened.
Add finely chopped spring onions, parsley leaves, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the mixture. Knead for an additional 10 minutes. (Adding a few ice cubes can prevent the Çig Köfte mixture from drying out, keeping it moist during kneading.)The mixture is ready when it forms a smooth paste. Take walnut-sized portions of the mixture and gently shape them into the characteristic Çig Köfte form by squeezing softly in your palm.
Arrange the Çig Köfte on a serving plate and serve with lettuce leaves on the side. Lettuce leaves can be used as a wrapper for serving.
Recipe Notes:
Use fine grain bulgur (köftelik bulgur) for the best soft and tender texture.
Combine bulgur with tomato and pepper pastes and soak briefly to allow the bulgur to soften.
Knead the mixture thoroughly—this creates the signature smooth, cohesive consistency.
Add spices like cumin, isot (Urfa pepper), and mix in tomato, garlic, and onion until fully integrated.
Enrich flavor and moisture with pomegranate molasses and a drizzle of olive oil kneaded in deeply.
Shape into small oval patties, pressing finger marks on top to form the classic style.
Serve on crisp lettuce leaves with fresh lemon juice and herbs for a bright, refreshing presentation.
