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Turkish İçli Köfte (Stuffed Bulgur Balls)

Turkish İçli Köfte (Stuffed Bulgur Balls)

​İçli Köfte is a traditional Turkish dish featuring a crispy bulgur shell filled with spiced ground meat, onions, and nuts like walnuts or pine nuts. ​
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 4
Calories 751 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Frying pan or deep fryer​
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons​
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels (for draining)​

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups fine bulgur wheat
  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground paprika
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup warm water or as needed

For the Filling:

  • 250 g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the bulgur, semolina, and salt. Add warm water gradually, stirring until the mixture is moist. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bulgur to soften, making the dough easier to work with.
  • Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned.
  • To the meat mixture, add the walnuts, parsley, allspice, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
  • Returning to the dough, add the cumin, paprika, and egg to the bulgur mixture. Gradually add flour, kneading the mixture until it forms a firm but pliable dough. If the dough feels too dry, sprinkle in a bit more water, ensuring it holds together without cracking.
  • Take a golf ball sized portion of dough and roll it into a ball. Using your thumb, carefully press into the centre, creating a hollow for the filling. Gently shape the walls of the dough into a thin shell, rotating it in your palm to maintain even thickness.
  • Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the hollowed centre. Carefully pinch and seal the edges, creating an oval shape with a slightly pointed end. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a gentle boil with a pinch of salt. Drop a few stuffed bulgur balls at a time into the boiling water, cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Alternatively, if you prefer fried köfte, heat vegetable oil in a deep pan and fry until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve İçli Köfte warm, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sumac for a slight tang. Accompany with a side of yogurt or a drizzle of melted butter with paprika for added richness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 751kcalCarbohydrates: 101gProtein: 33gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 161mgPotassium: 770mgFiber: 17gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 643IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 7mg
Keyword İçli Köfte
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