Here is a Turkish raw meatball recipe. This recipe is both vegan and ketogenic. Its ingredients are slightly different from the classic Cig Kofte of Turkish cuisine. But the taste…
It’s hard to describe this flavor without trying it.
Vegan and Keto Turkish Raw Meatball Recipe? How So?
This recipe is one of the addictive ones that the incredibly delicious Turkish cuisine has given us. Let us warn you from the beginning not to get angry with us if you want it every day.
If you have tried or seen the traditional version of this before, you know that it is a recipe that is kneaded for a long time, requires skill, and cannot be made easily by everyone.
One of the most popular recipes in the South East of Turkey, Cig Kofte is originally made and served as meat cig kofte. But can’t we make a more affordable, vegan, and keto-friendly version at home?
Frankly, it could be even better than the original.
Now, look at the ingredients needed to make these keto, vegan raw meatballs.

Turkish Raw Meatball Recipe (Keto)

If you’re ready to make this perfect food, let’s meet in the kitchen. Below, you can find all the details on how to do it step by step. You will find the calorie values and tricks of the recipe at the bottom of the article.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lbs. cauliflower
- 1 small onion
- 1 tbsp. of olive oil
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. pomegranate syrup
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. pepper paste
- 2 handfuls of parsley
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 stalks of scallion
- 2 tbsp. ground red pepper
- 2 tbsp. cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- First, take as much cauliflower as you will use from the whole head and wash it thoroughly. Drain and dry it well.
- In a large bowl, separate the cauliflower florets and place them in the bowl.
- Transfer the cauliflower florets one by one to a food processor and pulse until they resemble grains of sand.
- Next, roast the cauliflower slowly in a large pan over medium heat until it becomes scorched. Avoid roasting for too long or letting it change color.
- Once roasted, return the cauliflower to its bowl and let it cool.
- Meanwhile, finely dice the onion and garlic.
- Add the diced onion and garlic in the same pan used for roasting (after washing and drying). Pour olive oil over them and start sautéing.
- Add pomegranate syrup and lemon juice to the onion and garlic mixture and continue sautéing until caramelized and the liquid is absorbed. Then, transfer them to a plate.
- Once both the cauliflower and onion mixtures are cooled, combine them in a large bowl.
- Gradually add pepper and tomato paste to the mixture to prevent it from becoming too wet.
- Then, add ground red pepper, cumin, and salt. Mix well until it forms a dough-like consistency.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes while you chop the greens. Finely chop 2 handfuls of parsley and add it to the mixture. Cut the scallions into tiny rings and add them as well. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Cover the mixture with cling film for better taste and shaping and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- After refrigerating, shape the mixture into meatballs slightly larger than walnuts by gently pressing them with your palm. Avoid pressing too hard. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Notes
For Serving
For a correct presentation, arrange a few pieces of raw meatballs on one side of your plate and garnish the other side with lettuce leaves.
Place a few slices of lemon and a drizzle of pomegranate syrup in a small saucer.
Once everything is arranged on the plate, place a meatball inside one of the lettuce leaves, squeeze lemon over it, and enjoy by wrapping the lettuce around the meatball.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 303Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 0mgSodium 388mgCarbohydrates 54gFiber 9gSugar 25gProtein 7g
The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on the ingredients and cooking methods used in this recipe. Actual nutritional content may vary depending on the brands of ingredients and portion sizes. Please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
To sum up, we have brought you both vegan and ketogenic versions of cig kofte, one of the most popular flavors of Turkish cuisine.
To reach the maximum taste, if you do not have a health problem, we recommend using hot flavors more intensely. Bon Appetite!
References:
See Also:
Keto-Friendly Turkish Shish Kebab Recipe
Mediterranean Whole Grilled Branzino Recipe
Beyti Recipe (Video)