Bulgarian Burgers Kufteh Recipes

BULGARIAN BURGERS (KUFTEH)

Steps:

• Preheat grill to high.
• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl; stir to mix with a wooden spoon (test the mixture for seasoning by sauteing a teaspoon of it in a nonstick skillet until cooked through, then taste, adding salt, pepper, or cumin to the remaining mixture; should be highly seasoned).
• Divide the meat into 4 equal parts; lightly wet your hands with cold water, then form each portion into a patty 3 inches across and about ¾ inches thick.
• When ready to cook, oil the grill grate; arrange burgers on the hot grate and grill, turning with a spatula, until nicely browned on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
• Serve immediately.

RED LENTIL AND BULGUR KUFTEH

Steps:

• Combine the lentils and water in a large saucepan, bring to a boil, skim off any foam, reduce the heat, add salt to taste and simmer 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and most but not all of the water is absorbed.
• Place the bulgur in a bowl, mix with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pour in the lentils with their liquid. Stir together, then cover and let sit for 30 minutes, until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the onion. Cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden and very tender. Stir often. Add the ground cumin and stir together for about 30 seconds, then stir into the lentils and bulgur.
• Moisten your hands with water and knead the mixture in the bowl for 3 to 5 minutes. Each time it begins to stick to your hands, moisten them again, and this will moisten the mixture. If it seems very dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of water. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 cup of the minced parsley, and for a spicier mixture add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper. Taste and adjust salt.
• Moisten your hands and shape the mixture into walnut-size balls (about 1 inch). You'll have to moisten your hands again whenever the mixture begins to stick to them. Place on a platter and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Garnish with scallions, romaine lettuce leaves and lemon wedges, and serve, or chill for several hours. Serve cold or at room temperature.

BULGARIAN BURGERS / KUFTEH

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the grill to high.2. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to mix with a wooden spoon. To test the mixture for seasoning, sauté a teaspoon of it in a nonstick skillet until cooked through, then taste, adding salt, pepper, or cumin to the remaining mixture as necessary the mixture should be highly seasoned.3. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions. Lightly wet your hands with cold water, then form each portion into a patty 3 inches across and about 3/4 inch thick (see Note).4. When ready to cook, oil the grill grate. Arrange the burgers on the hot grate and grill, turning with a spatula, until nicely browned on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Serve immediately.Serves 4Note: If not planning to cook immediately, place on a large plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.