Çerkezmüsellim Köftesi (Meatball), a dish closely associated with the village of Çerkezmüsellim in Tekirdağ’s Hayrabolu district, is a unique regional delicacy. Made from the meat of young cattle raised in local pastures, this köfte has been officially registered with a geographical indication to protect its authenticity.

^{Çerkezmüsellim Meatballs on the Grill}

Origins and Characteristics of the Köfte

The history of Çerkezmüsellim Köftesi dates back to the 1970s. Emerging as a product of the region’s livestock and cattle breeding traditions, it has gradually gained recognition and become one of the signature dishes of Tekirdağ’s culinary culture. One of its distinguishing features is its dark brown color and oval shape. Traditionally, it is grilled for a short time before being served.

Ingredients and Preparation Process

The key ingredient in this köfte is the meat of young cattle raised in the region’s natural pastures. Specifically, Holstein and Simmental breeds under one year old are preferred. These cattle feed on aromatic plants in the local fields, which enhances the flavor of the meat. The meat used for the köfte consists of 50% rib meat and 50% shoulder and neck meat.

The ingredients used in the preparation are:

• 800 g beef (rib and shoulder cuts)
• 150 g internal fat
• 6 slices of stale bread crumbs
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 2 onions
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt

Preparation Steps

1. The meat and internal fat are minced once using a grinder. The sharpness of the knife is crucial to prevent the meat from losing its juices and texture.
2. The minced meat is kneaded carefully for about 20 minutes, ensuring it is not over-softened or crushed.
3. The mixture is left to rest in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours. In traditional methods, it is stored at 0-4°C for 18-24 hours to allow the spices to fully infuse the meat.
4. The rested köfte mixture is pressed into trays without shaping.
5. When ready to cook, the köfte is grilled for two minutes on each side, ensuring it remains juicy and fluffy.

Geographical Indication Registration

In 2021, the Trakya Development Agency and Hayrabolu Municipality applied for geographical indication registration for Çerkezmüsellim Köftesi. The application process was completed on December 19, 2022, and the köfte officially received its designation as a geographically registered product. This made it the ninth product from Tekirdağ to receive such recognition.