Kofte is a popular dish in Turkish cuisine. It consists of seasoned ground meat, typically beef, lamb, or a mixture of both, shaped into meatballs or patties. Kofte is a versatile dish and can be prepared in various ways. Here’s a traditional recipe for Turkish köfte:
Kofte:
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef or lamb (you can also use a mixture of both)
- 1 medium onion, finely grated or minced
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or crushed bread
- 1 egg
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- After chilling, take the mixture out of the fridge and shape it into small oval or round patties. Wet your hands with a little water to prevent the meat from sticking to your hands while shaping the kofte.
- Heat some olive oil in a skillet or a grilling pan over medium-high heat. Cook the kofte in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, until they are browned and cooked through. You can also grill the kofte if you prefer a smokier flavor.
- Serve the kofte hot with various accompaniments. Traditionally, kofte is served with flatbread, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, and a side of yogurt. You can also serve it with rice or bulgur pilaf.
Enjoy your delicious Turkish kofte!
