How to make Çiğ Köfte

Why cooks start here

Çiğ Köfte is cooked the way Urfa cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a turkish family cook actually puts it on the table.

Çiğ Köfte hails from Urfa, a city known for its robust flavors and generous hospitality. Traditionally enjoyed as a communal dish, it is often brought out during special occasions and gatherings, inviting friends and family to partake in a meal that celebrates both simplicity and depth. It is a dish that has moved from the open spaces of Urfa to the intimate tables of Turkish homes, carrying with it a sense of shared experience and culinary pride. The taste of Çiğ Köfte is a vibrant blend of spicy and savory, with the fine bulgur absorbing the rich, peppery notes from the pepper paste and onions. The mixture is balanced by the freshness of lettuce leaves and a squeeze of lemon, creating a lively contrast that dances on the palate. Each bite should be a harmonious combination of texture and flavor, wrapped snugly and enjoyed with a hint of zest.