Turkish Lamb Köfte with Bulgur Pilaf & Charred Eggplant
Prep 20 min · Cook 25 min · Serves 2 · medium

Aromatic ground lamb meatballs infused with warm spices, fresh herbs, and toasted pine nuts, served alongside fluffy bulgur pilaf and smoky roasted eggplant. A Turkish-inspired dinner that's elegant yet approachable.
Ingredients
- 10 oz ground lamb, lean
- 0.75 cup bulgur wheat
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
- 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch rounds
- 0.25 medium yellow onion, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.75 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp sumac
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Toast bulgur in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add broth, bring to simmer, cover, and cook 12-14 minutes until tender. Fluff with fork, stir in 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
- 2
While bulgur cooks, prepare köfte: In a bowl, combine ground lamb, minced onion, mint, parsley, cumin, sumac, cayenne, garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Form into 8 oval patties (about 2 inches long).


