This original recipe and photo are courtesy of Salpy’s International Kitchen. Salpy Rozario posts an extensive selection of international recipes at her popular food blog like this traditional recipe for Sini Kufte from June 2, 2013.
Kufte Dough:
2 cups fine grade bulgur #1
1 lb. fine ground, extra lean beef (“chi-kufte meat”)
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
1 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons flour
Salt, to taste
A little water to moisten the bulgur
2 to 3 tablespoons flour while mixing the shell dough
Gheema Michoog: (Ground beef filling)
3 lbs. ground beef (preferably 20% fat)
1 large onion, finely chopped in a food processor
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
1 teaspoon Aleppo red pepper flakes (Salpy prefers to use red pepper paste.)
Preparation:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Gheema Michoog:
Heat a large pot, add the ground beef and 1 cup of water, stirring often. Cook until browned, breaking apart the large lumps as it cooks. Add the onions and spices, and stir to combine. Cook covered on medium to low heat until all liquid is gone and the meat and onions are cooked.
Remove from heat and let it cool. Scoop out any extra grease, and the mixture is ready to be used as filling for various dishes.
Kufte Dough:
In a shallow bowl, mix the bulgur, flour, spices, and a little bit of cold water just to moisten it. Set aside to soak for a few minutes. Gradually add the “chi-kufte meat” and start kneading until you have a soft dough.
Assembly:
Brush the bottom and sides of a baking dish with olive oil. Spread half the kufte dough covering the bottom completely about 1/2” thick. Spread the cooked gheema michoog over the layer of kufte. Then, taking a handful of the remaining kufte dough in batches, pat open in your hands to about 1/2” thickness and start laying them on top of the gheema michoog until you have the whole surface covered.
Gently press down on the top (wetting your hand in a small bowl of water) until you smooth out the patches, and have a smooth and uniform top. With a sharp knife cut through all the way to make squares or diamond shapes. At this point, depending on your preference, brush the surface with some olive oil or dot the top with small cubes of butter. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven until golden brown.
For this recipe, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/SalpysInternationalKitchen/
https://www.facebook.com/SalpysInternationalKitchen/photos/a.196232397195545/201094320042686/?type=3&theater
