Cig Kofte Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Plant-Based Meal

If you’re craving a delicious, spicy, and uniquely textured dish that’s also 100% vegan, look no further than this traditional Çiğ Köfte recipe. Originating from Turkey, çiğ köfte is traditionally made with raw meat, but our vegan version uses wholesome bulgur and a medley of fresh spices to deliver that iconic flavor and texture without any animal products.

Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful appetizer or snack, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds with its perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy notes.

This vegan çiğ köfte is incredibly easy to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and absolutely bursting with vibrant colors and flavors. Plus, it’s perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a quick meal any day of the week.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to make a classic Middle Eastern delight that’s both nourishing and exciting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan çiğ köfte recipe is a fantastic introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine for several reasons. First, it’s completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.

It’s also nutrient-dense, thanks to bulgur wheat’s high fiber content and the fresh herbs and spices that add antioxidants and flavor.

The texture is delightfully chewy and slightly spicy, making it a perfect finger food or appetizer. Plus, it requires no cooking, only mixing and kneading, which means you can whip it up quickly without heating your kitchen.

This recipe is also highly customizable, so you can adjust the spice levels to suit your palate.

If you love experimenting with bold flavors and want a nutritious snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this vegan çiğ köfte will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fine bulgur wheat
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 large onion, finely grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp red pepper paste (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1-2 tsp pomegranate molasses (optional, for tanginess)
• Iceberg lettuce leaves, for serving
• Optional: chopped green onions and walnuts for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Grater or food processor (for onion and garlic)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or clean hands (for kneading)
• Serving platter or plate
• Knife and chopping board
• Juicer (for lemon juice, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bulgur: Place the bulgur wheat in a large mixing bowl. Pour the boiling water over it, cover, and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes until the bulgur softens and absorbs the water.
2. Grate the onion and garlic: While the bulgur soaks, finely grate the onion and mince the garlic. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the grated onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
3. Combine the base ingredients: Add the grated onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper paste to the soaked bulgur. Stir well to combine.
4. Knead the mixture: Using your hands or a wooden spoon, knead the mixture thoroughly for about 10-15 minutes. This step is key to developing the chewy texture typical of çiğ köfte.
5. Add spices and herbs: Mix in the olive oil, chopped parsley, chopped mint, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Knead again until everything is evenly distributed.
6. Finish with acidity and sweetness: Stir in the lemon juice and optional pomegranate molasses to balance the flavors with a tangy kick.
7. Shape the köfte: Take small portions of the mixture and gently shape them into oval or finger-like forms. If you want to keep it traditional, press your thumb into the center to create an indentation.
8. Serve: Arrange the köfte on a platter lined with iceberg lettuce leaves. Garnish with chopped green onions or crushed walnuts if desired.

Tips & Variations

For best results, knead the mixture thoroughly to develop the right texture – it’s the secret to authentic çiğ köfte!

• Adjust spice level: Feel free to add more or less red pepper paste depending on how spicy you want your köfte. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Nutty twist: Adding finely chopped walnuts or hazelnuts enhances the texture and adds a delightful crunch.
• Herb substitutions: If mint isn’t available, fresh dill or cilantro can be interesting alternatives.
• Make it gluten-free: Use cooked quinoa or finely ground nuts instead of bulgur for a gluten-free version.
• Serving idea: Wrap the vegan çiğ köfte in lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb bite.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan çiğ köfte is traditionally served as an appetizer or snack. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Serve wrapped in crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite.
• Accompany with fresh lemon wedges for extra zing.
• Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or a tangy cucumber-yogurt dip (using vegan yogurt).
• Include alongside other Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, or falafel for a vibrant mezze platter.

For more inspiration on plant-based appetizers, check out our Pecan Crackers Recipe and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegan çiğ köfte recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved Turkish classic without any animal products. The combination of bulgur, fresh herbs, and bold spices creates a flavorful, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or enjoying it as a healthy snack, it’s sure to impress with its vibrant taste and satisfying texture.

Plus, it’s simple to make and easily customizable to suit your spice preferences or dietary needs. If you’re eager to explore more wholesome, flavorful recipes, you might also enjoy our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the comforting Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe.

Dive into these dishes and bring a diverse array of tastes to your kitchen today!

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