🥩 Kyufte – Bulgarian Grilled Meatballs Recipe



📌 Ingredients (Makes ~10–12 kyufte):

Meat mixture:

  • 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for juiciness)

  • 1 small onion, very finely grated or minced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but common)

  • 1 egg

  • 2–3 tbsp breadcrumbs (or stale bread soaked and squeezed out)

  • 1 tsp baking soda (helps fluffiness)

  • 1 tbsp cold water or soda water (improves texture)

Seasonings:

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)

  • 1 tsp cumin (ground) (very traditional flavor!)

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

  • ½ tsp savory (чубрица) (a key Bulgarian herb – optional but recommended)

Optional add-ins:

  • 1 tbsp oil (sunflower or olive)

  • A pinch of chili flakes for heat

  • A dash of vinegar (some regional variants include it)

🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Mix the Meat

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs.

  • Add the egg, baking soda, cold water, and all seasonings.

  • Knead the mixture thoroughly for at least 5 minutes. This helps bind everything and improves texture.

💡 Pro tip: Let the mixture sit in the fridge, covered, for 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

2. Shape the Kyufte

  • Lightly oil your hands.

  • Form round, slightly flattened patties (about the size of your palm, ~1.5 cm thick).

  • You can make them oval or round depending on preference.

3. Grill or Pan-Fry

🔥 Grill (Traditional):

  • Preheat grill to medium-high.

  • Grill each kyufte ~4–5 minutes per side, or until browned with visible grill marks and cooked through.

🍳 Pan-Fry (Indoor version):

  • Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil.

  • Cook ~4–5 minutes per side until golden and juicy inside.

✅ Internal temperature should reach ~70–75°C (160–165°F).

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Kyufte is often served with:

  • Shopska salad (tomato, cucumber, onion, feta)

  • Lutenitsa (Bulgarian roasted red pepper spread)

  • Flatbread or fries

  • Ajvar or yogurt-garlic sauce

🥂 Pair with rakia or cold beer for a full Bulgarian experience.

Note:

Kyufte differs from Kebapche mainly in shape (kyufte is round/flatter, kebapche is log-shaped) and the inclusion of onion and herbs. Both are classic at Bulgarian grills and picnics.


YT Channel: Infinite Curiosity



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