Tasty and Easy Vegan Çiğ Köfte Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

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This traditional Armenian and Turkish dish is a popular street food and has been enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for centuries. It consists of a mixture of bulgur wheat, onion, tomato paste, herbs, and spices. The result is a delicious blend of flavors that can be enjoyed as a main or side dish. Stay with Cooking County to learn the Vegan Cig Kofte Recipe!

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Cig Kofte History

The history of çiğ köfte (also spelled “cig kofte”) is rich and complex, with roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of the Middle East, particularly in Turkish and Armenian cultures. A spicy blend of spices and herbs, Cig Kofte is often served as a wrap with flatbread or lettuce leaves. This savory snack has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its distinct flavor profile and health benefits.

Cig Kofte history is closely linked to the Ottoman Empire‘s expansive rule over much of Europe and Asia during the 16th century. During this time, the culinary traditions of many cultures were combined into one unique cuisine that was beloved by many residents of the empire.

What are the Health Benefits of Cig Kofte?

Cig Kofte offers a variety of health benefits due to its nutrient content. The mix of ground beef, bulgur wheat and spices provides essential minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium, which are beneficial for bone health and energy production.

Also the vegan cig kofte recipe is low in fat. This makes it a heart-healthy option that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The use of olive oil in the recipe adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The cumin used in the recipe also adds an additional layer of antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body.

Vegan Cig Kofte Recipe Guide

Ingredients

1.5 cups brown bulgur
1 glass of hot water (200 ml)
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Isot (Urfa Biber)
1 small onion
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili paste
1 tablespoon yogurt
2 tablespoons pomegranate syrup
2 tablespoons oilve oil
1 lemon

Directions

Step One

To make a delicious cig kofte at home, pour bulgur into a suitable bowl. Add hot water to it and let it sit for 15 minutes for the bulgur to soften. At this stage, the amount of water may vary depending on the type of bulgur.

Note: In order to get a good result, you should also make sure that the bulgur you use is brown.

Step Two

While you wait for the bulgur to soften, you can prepare the other ingredients. Now, chop the peeled onion into small pieces. Place the onions in a cloth, squeeze them and extract the juice.

Note: Chopping the onion in this way instead of grating or processing it will increase the flavor of Cig kofte.

Step Three

After 15 minutes, squeeze a part of the bulgur to see if it has reached the right consistency. If the bulgur comes together and does not fall apart, it means that it is sufficiently wet. However, if it disperses when you squeeze it with your hand, you can adjust it by adding a little more hot water.

Step Four

Now, transform the bulgur into the kneading tray. Add isot and salt to it, and start kneading the bulgur.

Step Five

Add the onions to the bulgur mixture and continue to knead. Add tomato paste, pepper paste, yogurt, pomegranate syrup, oil and lemon juice and knead for a few minutes until well combined.

Note 1: If you add ingredients separately and knead them well, you will get a better result.

Note 2: If the isot you use is coarse-grained and oily, it will make the shine and color of your raw meatballs more beautiful.

Step Six

Now, take a piece of cig kofte and shape it into small cigar-shaped patties by squeezing it with your hands. If you use gloves here, your cig kofte will be smoother.

Note: Wet your hands before shaping each piece of the kofte.

How to Serve Cig Kofte?

This unique dish is usually served with flatbreads such as pide or lahmacun and is accompanied by fresh vegetables such as onions, tomatoes and lettuce. Cig kofte can also be served with yogurt-based sauces or salads such as cacik, which further enhances the flavor of this delicious dish.

Do not forget to make this recipe and share it with us. If you also have any related questions about vegan cig kofte recipe, please do not hesitate to ask.

If you like this dish, do not forget to try Koofteh Tabrizi!

How to Make Cig Kofte with meat?

Begin by combining two cups of bulgur wheat with cold water in a large bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes until the bulgur has softened. Once done, strain the excess water from the bowl and add your desired amount of ground beef or lamb into the mix, along with finely chopped onions, parsley, mint leaves, tomato paste and spices like cumin seeds and paprika powder.

Mix everything until all ingredients are well combined, then shape them into small cigar-shaped patties using your hands.

FAQs about Vegan Cig Kofte Recipe

What is Cig Kofte?

It is a traditional dish from Turkey and Armenia, originally made with raw meat, bulgur, and spices. Modern versions often omit the raw meat, and therefore It’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

How much time does it need to get ready?

Assuming you are making Cig kofte from scratch, it will take approximately 2 hours to make this dish.

What are çiğ köfte main ingredients?

minced beef and lamb (the vegetarian recipe does not contain meat), brown bulgur, onions, parsley, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.