Turkish Çiğ Köfte (Spicy Vegan Bulgur Meatballs)

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Place the fine bulgur in a large bowl and pour the hot water over it. Let it rest until the bulgur absorbs the water and becomes soft enough to knead.
2. Add the onion, garlic, isot, sumac, pepper paste, tomato paste, black pepper, cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt to a food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes as smooth and evenly combined as possible.
3. Add the blended spice mixture to the softened bulgur and begin kneading thoroughly so the paste and spices are distributed throughout the bulgur.
4. While continuing to knead, gradually add the olive oil and pomegranate molasses. Keep working the mixture until the bulgur becomes darker, softer, and evenly seasoned.
5. Add the ice cubes gradually while kneading. Continue working the mixture until it becomes smooth, cohesive, and easy to shape.
6. Take small portions of the mixture and squeeze them firmly in your hand to create the traditional ridged çiğ köfte shape.
7. Serve the çiğ köfte fresh with crisp lettuce leaves and lemon wedges. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each piece just before eating.