Köfte, also spelled as kofta or other variations using a “q” instead of a “k”, is a family of dishes, usually meatballs. These dishes are found in South Asian, Central Asian, Balkan, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Caucasian cuisines. There are a multitude of variations, mixed with spices and sometimes other ingredients, such as vegetables instead of meat. This is a delicious and gratifying bowl of flavor, and includes bulgur wheat and lentils to add some heft.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken thighs (not breast)
½ c fine bulgur wheat
½ small onion, grated
2 tbs Culinaria Creations Istanbul Spice
6 c chicken stock or broth
1 medium tomato, grated (skin discarded)
1large clove garlic, grated
2 tbs Culinaria Creations Istanbul Spice (or to taste, depending on the chicken stock used)
½ c Spanish brown lentils, or red lentils (the red require less cooking time)
Juice of 1 large lemon
½ bu each green onions and parsley, finely chopped
Finely chopped fresh herbs to taste: cilantro, basil, and/or mint
Directions
Make the köfte: Mix the ground chicken with the bulgur, grated onion, and first quantity of the Istanbul Spice. Form into small balls about 1 ½” in size.
Bring the stock or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the tomato, garlic, and last quantity of the Istanbul Spice. Add the lentils. Bring back to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Gently add the köfte to the simmering broth. Cover and cook 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
When ready to serve, add the lemon juice to the broth. Serve hot, offering the chopped green onions, parsley, and other herbs to add to each serving to taste.