Bulgarian Kufteta Recipe
Kufteta is a traditional Bulgarian dish prepared from ground meat which is formed into balls and then then grilled until browned on both sides.
Servings: 6
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
- 2 lb minced meat - 60% pork, 40% beef
- 2 onions (grated)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 egg
- ½ black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp chubritsa (Bulgarian savory)
- 1 small slice soaked bread optional
Instructions
- Season the ground meat with salt, black pepper and cumin and leave it for a few hours in the fridge.
- In a large bowl combine the ground meat, grated onion, and 3 tsp water.
- Add egg, parsley, cumin, chubritsa, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything
- Knead the mixture well with the rest the ingredients with your hands for several minutes until fully combined and slightly sticky.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Wet your hands slightly and shape the meat into flat oval or round patties about ½ inch thick.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the kufteta for about 4–5 minutes per side until nicely browned and fully cooked.
- Serve immediately with Shopska salad, lyutenitsa, roasted peppers, fries, or fresh bread.
Notes
- Pork with moderate fat creates the juiciest texture.
- Do not overcook or the kufteta may become dry.
- Charcoal grilling provides the most authentic Bulgarian flavor.
- Resting the meat mixture improves texture and seasoning.