Çiğ köfte

Çiğ köfte is a special and traditional food from Turkey that is made from meat and spices. However, it is not cooked like most foods you might eat because it is still "raw" even when it is ready to eat. But don't worry, it's not actually raw meat that can make you sick because the meat has gone through a special process called "marinating."

The people who make çiğ köfte start by mixing very finely ground meat, usually beef, with different spices and some tasty vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and of course, garlic. The meat and the vegetables are mixed and kneaded together for a long time until they all come together into a big, soft ball. This is where the magic happens! They add a special spice blend called "isot," which gives çiğ köfte its unique and delicious flavor.

When everything is mixed together and ready, people usually serve the çiğ köfte in little balls or as flat patties. You can also eat it with fresh lettuce, parsley, or mint leaves as a sort of wrap or roll. People often add a squeeze of lemon juice on the top for some extra tangy flavor.

So even though it is not cooked like most foods we know, çiğ köfte has been eaten in Turkey for centuries and people love it for its tasty flavor and unique preparation.