Koupes (Pligouri)

Κουπές

Serves:
Makes 40 koupes
Prep time:
45 minutes
Cook time:
45 minutes

Yiayia first learned this recipe from a Turkish neighbour in her village back in Cyprus. Although pligouri were sold at the town market, Yiayia preferred to save her money for sweets. So, she began experimenting at home, tweaking and perfecting the recipe until she got it just right. That way, when she went into town, she could spend all her coins on desserts instead. Pligouri might not be sweet, but they’re every bit as much of a treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 brown onion, diced
  • Sprinkle of salt and pepper
  • Handful of dried mint
  • Handful of dried parsley
  • 500g beef mince
  • 1.5 kg pligouri / bulgur wheat
  • 1.5 cups hot water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • ¼ cup of canola oil

Method

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  1. In a large pan, heat oil over a medium high heat
  2. Add , , pepper, and . Cook until the onion is softened and translucent and turn down the heat
  3. Add and cook until brown and cooked through. Take off the heat and set aside
  4. Pour into a large bowl
  5. In a jug, combine hot , and a sprinkle of salt
  6. Pour this mixture over the pligouri, ensuring all the pligouri is covered by liquid. Let it soak for 15-20 mins until soft
  7. After 15-20 minutes, add in the large bowl and stir through until a dough-like texture is formed
  8. Place the dough onto a floured surface and knead like kneading bread for 5 -10 minutes. Test its texture by breaking off a small piece and squeeze it firmly in your han— it must be pliable. If it cracks, knead it for a little while longer and add a bit of warm water or flour
  9. Using your hands, pick up 2-3 tablespoons of mixture and mold a long oval shape. Using the tips of your fingers, create and pocket down the centre of the pligouri, leaving enough room for 1-2 teaspoon of mince mixture
  10. Spoon in enough mince mixture to fill the centre of the pligouri. Repeat until you’ve used up all the dough and mince mixture
  11. Heat in a pot over a high heat, ensuring the oil is very hot before cooking
  12. Gently place 3-4 pligouri into the hot oil and cook until golden brown. Repeat until all pligouri are cooked
Inset of a hand holding a shaped, uncooked pligouri shell ready for filling
Figure 5. Koupes G2G

From Yiayia's Fridge · page 95