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Traditional Turkish dumpling with bulgur shell and minced meat filling, boiled
In season: Spring · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
1 piece (medium) of Boiled İçli Köfte (80 g) has 144 calories. That works out to 180 calories per 100 g. It contains 18.4 g of carbs, 6.8 g of protein, 5.2 g of fat and 1.8 g of fiber. Its 0.5 µg of B12 covers 20% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 60 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Boiled içli köfte is a Turkish dumpling associated especially with southeastern Anatolian cooking. A shell made from fine bulgur is shaped around a savoury minced-meat filling, often mixed with onion, spices and, in some regional versions, walnuts, then gently cooked in water. It is distinct from the crisp, fried version.
The shell is tender and the filling rich and crumbly. Serve it hot with lemon and parsley, either as part of a main meal or on a shared table; in Turkey it is also a familiar choice for gatherings. Bulgur supplies most of its carbohydrate, while the meat contributes protein: a 100 g portion has 8.5 g. For a lighter-feeling meal, pair one or two pieces with a fresh salad or yoghurt.
Selected: 100 g
180
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
23g
· 8% DV
Protein
8.5g
· 17% DV
Fat
6.5g
· 8% DV
Fiber
2.2g
· 8% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 50% · Protein 18% · Fat 32%
Vitamins
B12
0.6µg · 25% DV
B3
2.1mg · 13% DV
B5
0.45mg · 9% DV
B1
0.09mg · 8% DV
Minerals
Selenium
6.5µg · 12% DV
Sodium
260mg · 11% DV
Phosphorus
75mg · 11% DV
Zinc
1mg · 9% DV
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 180 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
2.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.3g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.1g
Omega 6:3 ratio 5.3:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (5.3:1).
Boiled içli köfte is a Turkish stuffed dumpling made with a bulgur shell and a savoury minced-meat filling. The filling often includes onion and spices, and some regional recipes add walnuts.
Boiled içli köfte is cooked in water, while fried içli köfte is cooked in hot oil. The boiled version has a softer exterior and avoids the extra oil absorbed during frying; the fried one is crisp outside.
Boiled içli köfte usually breaks apart if the shell has a crack, the seam is not sealed, or the water is boiling too vigorously. Seal any thin spots with damp fingers and keep the water at a gentle simmer.
Boiled içli köfte is typically filled with minced meat, cooked onion and seasonings; walnuts are common in some versions. The filling is usually cooked and cooled before stuffing so it does not soften or tear the bulgur shell.
Boiled içli köfte is gently lowered into salted simmering water after shaping. Avoid crowding the pot, which can make the dumplings bump into one another and split; cooking time varies with their size.
Boiled içli köfte is often served hot with lemon wedges, and chopped parsley makes a familiar accompaniment. A squeeze of lemon brightens the savoury filling; some regional meals also pair the dumplings with yoghurt.
Yes, freeze boiled içli köfte before cooking for the best shape. Freeze the dumplings separately on a tray, then transfer them to a sealed container; cook them from frozen in gently simmering water rather than thawing them first.
Cooked boiled içli köfte keeps for about three to four days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, and discard dumplings that have been left at room temperature for too long.
Yes, boiled içli köfte can be made with a meat-free filling, though the result is a variation rather than the traditional minced-meat version. Lentils, onions, walnuts and spices can make a flavourful filling that holds together when cooled.
Boiled içli köfte is not fried, so it can be a less oily choice than the fried version. Its bulgur shell and meat filling are still substantial, so serving it with vegetables or salad can make a more balanced meal.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.