Çiğ köfte

Çiğ köfte is a traditional Turkish dish, often served as a meze. It is made from bulgur, onions, tomato paste, and a variety of spices and herbs. The name "Çiğ köfte" translates to "raw meatball" in English, as the dish was originally made with raw meat. However, due to health concerns, most modern versions of the dish are vegetarian.

History

The origins of Çiğ köfte are believed to date back to the time of Abraham in the city of Urfa, now in modern-day Turkey. According to legend, when Abraham's wife could not find any firewood to cook their meal, she invented Çiğ köfte by mixing raw meat with bulgur and spices.

Preparation

The preparation of Çiğ köfte involves soaking bulgur in water until it softens, then mixing it with tomato paste, onions, and a variety of spices and herbs. The mixture is then kneaded until it becomes a dough-like consistency. Traditionally, the mixture was then combined with raw meat, but most modern versions of the dish are vegetarian. The mixture is then shaped into small balls or patties and served with lettuce leaves, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses.

Cultural significance

Çiğ köfte is a popular dish in Turkey, particularly in the southeastern region. It is often served as a meze, or appetizer, and is a common street food. The dish is also popular in other countries with large Turkish populations, such as Germany and the Netherlands.

See also

• Turkish cuisine
• Meze
• Bulgur
• List of Turkish dishes