Embark on a gastronomic journey to Bulgaria, where the rich tapestry of culinary traditions unfolds to reveal a treasure trove of delectable dishes. Among the stars of Bulgarian cuisine is the mouthwatering Kyufte, a seasoned and grilled meat patty that tantalizes the taste buds with its robust flavors. Rooted in the country's history and culture, Kyufte represents a culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the art of crafting the perfect Kyufte, ensuring an authentic experience that brings the essence of Bulgarian dining right to your table. Get ready to embrace the warmth and authenticity of Bulgarian cooking as we delve into the details of this timeless Kyufte recipe.

Ingredients:

• 500g ground pork
• 500g ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Sunflower oil for grilling

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and beef.

2-Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, and chopped parsley to the meat mixture.

Seasoning:

1-Sprinkle ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the meat mixture.

2-With clean hands, thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined. This is where you infuse the meat with the rich Bulgarian flavors.

Shape the Kyufte:Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then take a portion of the meat mixture and shape it into oval or round patties, about the size of a small palm.

Preheat the Grill:Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill, you can also use a grill pan on the stovetop.

Grilling:

1-Lightly brush each Kyufte with sunflower oil to prevent sticking to the grill.

2-Grill the Kyufte for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.

Serve:

1-Once cooked, arrange the Kyufte on a serving platter.

2-Serve them hot with your favorite accompaniments such as fresh salad, yogurt, or pita bread.

Enjoy:Dive into the delightful combination of flavors and textures as you enjoy these spiced Bulgarian Kyufte. Whether as a main course or part of a mezze-style spread, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your table.

Indulge in the culinary magic of Bulgaria with these perfectly seasoned and grilled Kyufte—each bite a celebration of the country's rich culinary heritage.

Nutritional Values

It's important to note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used. The values provided here are approximate and based on standard nutritional information for common ingredients.

Nutritional Values (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

Ground Pork (500g):

• Calories: 1200 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 90g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Rich in protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Provides a good source of energy and supports muscle growth.

Ground Beef (500g):

• Calories: 1100 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 75g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: High-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. Supports muscle development, immune function, and overall health.

Onion (1 large, finely chopped):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting immune health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Supports immune function, heart health, and may have various health benefits.

Breadcrumbs (1 cup):

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health. May also contribute to the texture of the dish.

Eggs (2 large):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals. Supports muscle development and overall health.

Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped):

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Adds flavor and depth to the dish.

Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Source of antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects. Enhances flavor and aids digestion.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Essential for electrolyte balance and overall body function. Used in moderation, it enhances flavor.

Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Contains capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Adds a spicy kick to the dish.

Sunflower Oil (for grilling, approximate amount used):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Contains vitamin E, supporting skin health and acting as an antioxidant.

Note: The nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.