If you've ever been to a Middle-Eastern, or Mediterranean Restaurant, you might have seen this dish as part of a wide variety of mezze, or appetizer platters on the table. Cig Kofte or, Chikufta, is a raw meatball dish in Armenian, and Middle-Eastern cuisine, very similar to Kibbeh Nayeh, and to a lesser extent to Steak Tartare. It is traditionally made with either beef or lamb, a vegetarian variety may also be served. Ciğ Köfte may be served as an appetizer, or mezze. In the beef variant, ground beef is used. Tendons and fat are removed before grinding the beef. Relatively expensive high-quality beef has to be used so that the meat can be safely served raw. London Broil, or Top Round, are are recommended choices for the ground beef. Since lamb is considered a "clean meat", it is often used for Ciğ Köfte instead of beef. Armenians  use Ciğ Köfte as a mezze, served almost cold. The raw meat ball, or Kofte, is not kept overnight and is reserved for special occ...