Zucchini Köfte with Beet-Bulgur Pilaf
Zucchini Köfte with Beet-Bulgur Pilaf is a flavorful Continental Global Delicacies dish prepared with quality ingredients. Coarsely grate zucchini in a food processor fitted with the medium shredding disk.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionCoarsely grate zucchini in a food processor fitted with the medium shredding disk.
Toss with 1 teaspoon salt in a colander.
Let stand 10 minutes.
Pulse garlic, parsley, and cilantro in food processor until finely chopped.
Wrap zucchini in a kitchen towel (not terry cloth) and twist to wring out as much liquid as possible.
With a fork, then toss with zucchini, garlic mixture, spices, bread crumbs, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
Roll 2-tablespoons portions into balls and chill köfte in a 4-sided sheet pan while making bulgur.
Cook onion and garlic in oil and butter in a deep 10-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in bulgur, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant and a shade darker, about 4 minutes.
Stir in beets (but not greens) and water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until water is absorbed and beets are tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir in greens and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
Fluff bulgur with a fork, then sprinkle with almonds.
Heat 1 inch oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
Fry köfte in 2 batches, turning once, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Stir together yogurt, garlic, cilantro, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
Serve warm köfte and bulgur with sauce.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.