Çiğ Köfte

Çiğ köfte, pronounced as chigh keufte and meaning literally "raw köfte" in Turkish, is a favourite snack and a speciality of the country’s southeastern region. Bulgur is kneaded with chopped onions and water until it gets soft. Then tomato and pepper paste, spices and very finely ground beef are added. This absolutely fatless raw mincemeat is treated with spices while kneading the mixture, which is said to "cook" the meat. Lastly, green onions, fresh mint and parsley are mixed in. A favourite way of eating çiğ köfte is by sandwiching it within a lettuce leaf.