We invite you to try a traditional Turkish dish – İçli Köfte, which translates to “stuffed meatballs.” The recipe and cooking method of İçli Köfte (Stuffed Meatballs) vary by region, but in Turkey, the two most common versions are fried and boiled.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 500 g ground meat
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups walnuts, finely chopped
For the dough:
- 2 ¾ cups fine bulgur
- Salt, to taste
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup semolina
- Water
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- Ground red chili pepper
Instructions:
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Prepare the filling: Melt butter in a pan, add the onions, and sauté until soft. Add the ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully done. Stir in the chopped walnuts, mix well, and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the dough: Place the fine bulgur in a mixing bowl and pour in enough hot water to fully cover it. Let it soak until softened. While still warm, add the semolina and salt, then knead until well combined. Gradually add a little water while kneading to form a soft dough. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.
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Take a small piece of dough, about the size of a walnut, and shape it into a cup using your fingers. Keep your hands wet to prevent sticking. Fill the dough cups with the prepared meat mixture and seal them carefully. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and carefully place the stuffed meatballs in. Once they float to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a clean paper towel to drain excess water.
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Arrange the cooked köfte on a serving plate. In a small pan, melt the butter, add the ground chili pepper, and drizzle over the stuffed meatballs. Serve immediately.
İçli Köfte (Stuffed Meatballs) is ready to enjoy. Bon appétit!
