Basak Isot Pepper (Urfa Biber), 2.5 oz (70g)

Authentic Recipe: Etsiz Çiğ Köfte (Meatless Bulgur Köfte)

Today's çiğ köfte is made without meat: fine bulgur kneaded with pepper paste, isot pepper and spices until soft. Wrapped in lettuce with lemon, it's a Turkish street favorite.

Serves: 6 | Prep: 40 min | Cook: None

Ingredients

• 2 cups extra-fine bulgur (köftelik)
• ¾ cup hot water
• 2 tbsp isot (Urfa pepper)
• 2 tbsp red pepper paste
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 onion, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 green onions and ½ bunch parsley, finely chopped
• Lettuce leaves and lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

1. Mix the bulgur with the hot water, isot, pastes, onion, garlic and spices in a large bowl.
2. Knead firmly with your hands (gloves help) for 20–30 minutes, until the bulgur is soft and the mixture holds together.
3. Knead in the pomegranate molasses and olive oil, then the green onions and parsley.
4. Squeeze small portions in your fist to make the classic finger-marked shape.
5. Serve wrapped in lettuce with a squeeze of lemon.

Tips

• The long kneading is what softens the bulgur; don't rush it.
• Add more isot for more heat and that smoky Urfa flavor.

Traditional Turkish home recipe, written by Shopping Halal.