Kadin Budu, literally translated as “Ladies’ Thighs,” are a beloved traditional Turkish appetizer known for their distinct elongated shape and rich flavor profile. These croquettes combine finely ground lean lamb with fluffy boiled rice, sharp beyaz peynir (or feta), and aromatic herbs like dill and parsley. The mixture is bound with egg and coated in flour before being shallow-fried until deeply golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender and savory within. They offer a delightful textural contrast and a robust taste that pairs beautifully with fresh salads, yogurt dips, or grilled vegetables. Perfect for festive gatherings or as an elegant starter, these croquettes showcase the simplicity and depth of Anatolian home cooking.
Kadin-Budu-Ladies-Thighs-Croquettes
Description
Kadin Budu, literally translated as "Ladies' Thighs," are a beloved traditional Turkish appetizer known for their distinct elongated shape and rich flavor profile. These croquettes combine finely ground lean lamb with fluffy boiled rice, sharp beyaz peynir (or feta), and aromatic herbs like dill and parsley. The mixture is bound with egg and coated in flour before being shallow-fried until deeply golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender and savory within. They offer a delightful textural contrast and a robust taste that pairs beautifully with fresh salads, yogurt dips, or grilled vegetables. Perfect for festive gatherings or as an elegant starter, these croquettes showcase the simplicity and depth of Anatolian home cooking.Ingredients
Directions
-
Boil rice until tender, then drain and let cool completely.
-
Finely chop onion, parsley, and dill.
-
Crumble the beyaz peynir (or feta cheese).
-
Combine the ground lamb, cooled boiled rice, chopped onion, crumbled cheese, chopped herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl.
-
Add 1 lightly beaten egg to the meat mixture and mix thoroughly by hand until smooth and well combined.
-
Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking.
-
Take a generous tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into an elongated oval or torpedo shape, wider at one end, placing them side by side in a baking dish as formed.
-
Beat the remaining egg well in a shallow dish.
-
Place plain flour on a separate plate.
-
Pour the beaten egg over the formed croquettes in the baking dish, turning them to coat evenly with a thin film of egg.
-
Using one hand, roll each egg-coated croquette in the flour until fully coated.
-
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
-
Using a dry hand, place the flour-coated croquettes into the hot oil.
-
Fry until golden brown on all sides, turning frequently with tongs to maintain their shape.
-
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
-
Serve hot immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 551.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 39.4g61%
- Saturated Fat 16.9g85%
- Cholesterol 181.9mg61%
- Sodium 135.0mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 46.9g94%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The name "Kadin Budu" translates to "Ladies' Thighs" due to the oval shape of the croquettes.
Beyaz peynir is a traditional Turkish white brine cheese. If unavailable, feta cheese is an excellent substitute.
Ensure the rice is completely cooled before mixing with the meat to prevent the mixture from becoming too soft or greasy.
Keep one hand wet for shaping and the other hand dry for handling the flour and frying to avoid sticking.
Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even browning and to maintain oil temperature.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture.
