Entree: Armenia – Armenian Highlands – կուֆթա ➤ Kufta (Seasoned bulgur-and-meat dumplings simmered in a tomato-based sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 50 min

Total 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb or beef
- 1/2 cup (100 g) fine bulgur
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water
- 1 medium onion, about 5 oz (140 g), finely grated or minced
- 1 large egg, approx. 50 g
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small carrot, about 2 oz (60 g), finely grated (optional for moisture)
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
- 14 oz (400 g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken stock (or water)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) dried mint or 1 tbsp (4 g) fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil for browning (if desired)

Instructions

1. Place bulgur in a small bowl and pour hot water over it. Cover and let stand 10–15 minutes until softened; drain any excess.
2. In a large bowl combine softened bulgur, ground meat, grated onion, egg, salt, pepper, cumin, grated carrot (if using), and chopped parsley. Mix gently until homogeneous.
3. Wet your hands and shape mixture into oval dumplings about 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) long, making 12–16 kufta.
4. In a large skillet or saucepan heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil over medium heat. Lightly brown kufta on all sides in batches to develop color, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. (You may skip browning and proceed directly to simmering for a softer texture.)
5. In the same pan add 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil and sauté 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste for 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes and stock. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Return kufta to the sauce, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until kufta are cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
7. Stir in lemon juice and dried or fresh mint; adjust salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve kufta hot with plain yogurt, rice, or flatbread and garnish with extra parsley.