2 cups fine bulgur wheat

3 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

1 onion, quartered

2 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons olive oil (for soaking)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking filling)

1 pound ground beef (or lamb)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Olive oil (for deep frying)

Optional toppings: olive oil drizzle, lemon juice, grated Parmesan

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In a pot, bring water, cinnamon stick, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a boil. Pour over bulgur in a bowl, stir, cover, and let soak 2–3 hours until fully cooled and hydrated.
For filling: sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground beef, breaking apart and cooking through. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add parsley, mint, and lemon zest. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Once bulgur is cooled, knead well. Mix in flour and eggs until a pliable dough forms.
Divide dough into portions. Shape each into a cylinder, hollowing out the center like a cone. Add cooled meat filling, then pinch and seal to form an oval or cigar shape. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Heat 2–3 inches of olive oil in a pot until hot (test with a wooden spoon for bubbles). Fry koupes in batches for 5–8 minutes, rotating until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with optional olive oil drizzle, lemon juice, or Parmesan. Best enjoyed immediately.

Use fine or extra-fine bulgur for a smooth, sturdy shell.

Ensure filling is cooled before stuffing to prevent soggy shells.

If shells crack while shaping, wet your hands lightly to smooth the dough.

For a vegetarian option, substitute filling with lentils, mushrooms, or spinach.

Best eaten fresh; reheat in oven to restore crispness.