| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 295 | 12g | 4g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 7g | 25g | 0.94g |
Why I Love Turkish Bulgur Meatballs
As the golden sun sets in the heart of Texas, turquoise evenings are painted with the heartwarming scent of Bulgur Meatballs being cooked in my kitchen. Yes, the Bulgur Meatballs – an age-old Turkish dish that I have truly come to love. We’re miles away from the cobblestone streets of Istanbul, but this recipe brings us closer to the rich culture and diverse flavors of that vibrant city.
Fusing Texan Tastes and Turkish Traditions
Being raised in Texas, I’ve always appreciated bold, robust flavors – the kind that defines our beloved Tex-Mex food. But as a gourmet enthusiast, my culinary explorations never stop at my home state’s boundaries. Drawing inspiration from famous Turkish chef Şemsa Denizsel, I embarked on this Turkish culinary adventure to broaden my palette.
These meatballs, vibrant with the perfect balance of succulent ground beef and fine Bulgur, punctuated by the aromatic blend of garlic, onion, and spices, are a culinary meeting point of my Southern upbringing and the engaging allure of Turkish cuisine.
The Versatility of Bulgur Meatballs
One thing I admire most about these Bulgur Meatballs is their grand versatility. A delightful star on their own, they can also add an exciting twist to a range of dishes. Consider pairing them with a refreshing Cacık (Turkish cucumber and yogurt salad), or perhaps a simple dollop of tzatziki, and you have a combination just as captivating as the sun setting over the Bosphorus.
Moreover, these meatballs serve to remind me how food, far more than mere sustenance, is a genuine testament to the interconnectedness of our world’s cultures. As we savor each bite, we gain insights into different cultures and traditions, linking us all together on a global culinary tapestry.
So, enjoy these Bulgur Meatballs with a sense of travel, a sense of exploration, but most importantly, with a sense of joy that comes only from a great meal.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fine bulgur
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of dried mint
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of parsley, chopped for garnish
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the fine bulgur with water and let it soak for about 20 minutes until the grains have expanded and absorbed the water.
Step Two
Meanwhile, in a large frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil and saute the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the sauteed onion and cook for another minute, then add the tomato paste, red pepper paste, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, dried mint, and dried basil. Stir all these ingredients well and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Step Four
Combine the soaked bulgur with the sautéed spice mixture. Add the ground beef to this mixture, along with the all-purpose flour, eggs, and salt to taste.
Step Five
Mix these ingredients well until they’re completely combined. Once, they’re mixed well, form small meatballs out of the mixture.
Step Six
In the same large frying pan over medium heat, add a bit more olive oil if needed and add the meatballs. Cook on each side until they’re browned and cooked thoroughly.
Step Seven
Once the meatballs are cooked, garnish them with chopped parsley. Your Bulgur Meatballs are ready to be served and enjoyed.
