Turkish Food - Cig Kofte

I was asked the other week by a student if I had tried cig kofte, and I said I hadn't.  It was something she had told me that I must try when I first arrived in Turkey, so I think she was disappointed in me.

My lesson continued, and a little bit later there was a knock on the door, and it was a delivery of cig kofte from the takeaway a few doors away from the school.  During their break the students had been and ordered some for me so I could finally try it.

Cig kofte is traditionally made from raw meat, but due to hygiene regulations the local takeaways are no longer allowed to use the raw meat and the cig kofte is now meatless unless you make it yourself at home.  It is now made from Bulgar wheat, nuts and spices.

The students know I enjoy spicy food, and its a good job, because this was very spicy, and so much flavour.  It is a popular street food and there are many places that you can get it.  As a street food it is common to eat it wrapped in a durum wrap and it only costs a couple of lira.  Another way to eat cig kofte is wrapped in a lettuce leaf.

I have tried both ways and I have to say I prefer it in a durum, with lettuce and pomegranate sauce, with some pickles on the side.  I think I am hooked!