Welcome to another recipe from Sofra Anadolu 🌿 Today, we’re preparing one of the most iconic dishes of Anatolia and the Middle East: İçli Köfte. Known in different regions by various names such as Kibbeh, this recipe brings together the rich flavors of bulgur, semolina, and perfectly seasoned ground beef — creating a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to taste.
İçli Köfte is a true celebration of culinary craftsmanship. The outer shell is made from fine bulgur and semolina, kneaded into a smooth dough with just the right amount of spice. Inside, a savory filling of ground beef, onions, pepper paste, walnuts, and warm spices gives this dish its unique character. Once shaped into delicate stuffed dumplings, they are fried until golden and crispy, sealing all the flavor inside.
✨ Why İçli Köfte is special:
• It represents centuries of Anatolian tradition, often prepared for family gatherings, celebrations, and holidays.
• It carries flavors from across the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary world.
• Every step — from kneading the bulgur dough to shaping the thin shell by hand — reflects patience, skill, and love.
In this video, you’ll learn step-by-step how to:
1. Prepare the aromatic meat filling with onions, butter, tomato & pepper paste, and spices.
2. Mix the bulgur and semolina into a smooth, elastic dough that holds perfectly.
3. Shape each dumpling by hand into thin shells, fill them generously, and seal them without cracks.
4. Fry them until they reach that golden, crispy perfection.
Whether you know this dish as İçli Köfte, Kibbeh, or simply stuffed bulgur shells, it’s a recipe that connects cultures and generations. By following along, you’ll be able to recreate a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries across Anatolia and the Middle East.
🌍 Perfect for:
• Sharing with friends and family at gatherings
• Adding variety to your dinner table
• Learning a traditional recipe with modern, easy-to-follow instructions
At Sofra Anadolu, our mission is to bring you the flavors of Anatolia and the Mediterranean — dishes that tell stories, carry history, and create unforgettable moments around the table.
💡 Pro Tip: Wet your hands while shaping the dough to avoid cracks, and always fry in hot oil to keep the shells crisp and the filling juicy.
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📌 Try this recipe and let us know in the comments: Have you ever made İçli Köfte at home, or is this your first time?
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Dining and Cooking