Categories: Main DishesMeatlessMeatless Lenten Dishes

Bulgur and Potato Kufteh (Musa Daghtsi style)

12 years ago

My maternal grandmother (aka Yeranuhe Nanny) used a lot of bulgur and potatoes in her everyday cooking. In fact, most of her dishes were suitable for a vegetarian diet, thus fitting for Lent. Meat was served in small portions on the occasions it was served at all; larger cuts of meat – either lamb, chicken or turkey – were served mainly for very special meals.

One dish I recall is Nanny’s bulgur-potato kufteh shaped like thin cigars and served with lettuce leaves as a wrap. When grape leaves from her back yard arbor were young and tender, she’d serve those in place of the lettuce leaves. Nanny made enough of her own red pepper paste (an important ingredient in so many of her recipes – including this one) in late summer to last until the next season.

Such fond memories!

Bulgur and Potato Kufteh

A delicious, hearty vegan, and Lent- appropriate Armenian dish.

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 10

Shape & Plate 15

Total Time 50

Servings pieces

Ingredients

½ cup #1 (fine) bulgur
water
3 tbsp olive oil
½ cup green and red peppers finely chopped
1 cup onion finely chopped
½ lb potatoes boiled, peeled
¼ cup parsley finely chopped
1 tbsp red pepper paste softened with a splash of water tomato paste with a dash of cayenne pepper can be substituted
½ tsp cumin
black pepper just a dash
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Place bulgur in a bowl adding just enough warm water to cover it. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Test bulgur to make sure it has softened to a tender, yet slightly chewy texture. Drain any excess liquid.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sautė the peppers and onions until they soften, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Gently mash the boiled potatoes and set aside.
Once the bulgur has softened enough and the excess liquid is drained, add the peppers, onions, mashed potatoes, parsley, and the rest of the ingredients. Knead until well-combined. Adjust seasonings, if necessary.
Shape as desired –cigars; round, flat patties, etc. Arrange on a platter.

Notes

To serve: wrap in lettuce or grape leaves – or simply eat with a fork

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View Comments

Marash Girl says:

March 3, 2013 at 12:09 pm

This looks absolutely delicious. Can't wait to try it. I've already sent the link to all my kids! And thanks for the family memories.
Anonymous says:

March 4, 2013 at 6:14 pm

I've never had Kufte with potatoes in it before. I'm surprised this never came up as a compromise in my family - Armenian/Irish. :) Sounds delicious. I'll definitely have to try this one soon. :)