Icli Kofte

Mise en place

Ingredients

The method

Step by step

1. 1

   Combine the fine bulgur and hot water in a large heatproof bowl, then cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.

   Cook’s note: Using hot water helps the bulgur soften more quickly and thoroughly, ensuring a tender shell.

2. 2

   Allow the bulgur to rest for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the bulgur is plump and tender.

   About 20 min

3. 3

   While the bulgur soaks, prepare the filling: heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.

   Cook’s note: Ensure the pan is hot before adding the onions to achieve a good sauté without steaming them.

4. 4

   Add the finely diced yellow onion to the hot oil and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes.

   About 7 min

   Cook’s note: Sautéing the onions until very soft provides a sweet base for the filling.

5. 5

   Add the ground beef to the pan with the softened onions, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.

   Cook’s note: Break the meat into very small, uniform pieces for a better texture in the filling.

6. 6

   Cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and any liquid has evaporated, approximately 5-7 minutes.

   About 7 min

   Cook’s note: Browning the meat thoroughly adds depth of flavor to the filling.

7. 7

   Stir in 1 teaspoon of paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of cumin, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper into the browned meat mixture.

   About 1 min

   Cook’s note: Toast the spices for about 1 minute to release their full aroma and flavor.

8. 8

   Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped walnuts and fresh parsley.

   Cook’s note: Adding walnuts and parsley off the heat preserves their texture and fresh flavor.

9. 9

   Transfer the prepared filling to a separate bowl and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.

   Cook’s note: Cooling the filling is crucial; warm filling will make the bulgur shell difficult to shape and prone to cracking.

10. 10

    Once the bulgur has softened, add the semolina, all-purpose flour, tomato paste, red pepper paste, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper to the bowl.

11. 11

    Knead the bulgur mixture vigorously by hand for about 10-15 minutes until it forms a smooth, pliable, and cohesive dough.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. The dough should be firm but not sticky.

12. 12

    Take a small amount of the bulgur dough, roughly the size of a golf ball (about 30-40g), and gently flatten it in the palm of your hand.

    Cook’s note: Keep your hands slightly wet throughout the shaping process to prevent the bulgur dough from sticking.

13. 13

    Using your index finger, carefully hollow out the center of the flattened dough to form a thin, cup-like shell, rotating it as you go.

    Cook’s note: Aim for a shell that is thin but strong enough to hold the filling without breaking.

14. 14

    Spoon a small amount (about 1-2 teaspoons) of the cooled meat filling into the hollowed bulgur shell.

    Cook’s note: Do not overfill, as this will make it difficult to seal the kofte without cracking.

15. 15

    Carefully pinch and seal the opening of the bulgur shell, then gently shape the kofte into a traditional oval or torpedo shape, ensuring there are no cracks or seams.

    Cook’s note: Smooth out any imperfections with wet fingers to create a perfectly sealed croquette.

16. 16

    Repeat the shaping process with the remaining bulgur dough and meat filling until all the Icli Kofte are formed.

    Cook’s note: Place the formed kofte on a parchment-lined tray as you work to prevent sticking.

17. 17

    Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pot or large Dutch oven to 170-180°C (340-350°F).

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Use a deep-fry thermometer to accurately monitor the oil temperature; maintaining the correct temperature is key to crispy, non-greasy kofte.

18. 18

    Carefully lower a few Icli Kofte into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy kofte.

    Cook’s note: Fry in batches to maintain optimal oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

19. 19

    Fry the Icli Kofte for 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are evenly golden brown and crispy on all sides.

    About 7 min

    Cook’s note: The kofte should be a deep golden color, indicating a perfectly cooked and crispy exterior.

20. 20

    Remove the fried Icli Kofte from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

    Cook’s note: Allowing them to drain properly prevents them from becoming greasy.

21. 21

    Serve the Icli Kofte hot, optionally garnished with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, acidic counterpoint.