Köfte

Köfte

Köfte (KURF-teh)

Turkish Meatballs

Prep Time 40 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 358 kcal

Intensely seasoned hand-shaped lamb and beef meatballs, grilled over charcoal or pan-fried until crusty outside and succulent inside, served with flatbread.

Nutrition & Info

350 kcal per serving
Protein 28.0g
Carbs 12.0g
Fat 22.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

mixing bowl grill or heavy skillet serving platter

Presentation Guide

Vessel: warm flatbread

Garnishes: sumac onions, parsley, lemon wedges

Accompaniments: grilled peppers, ayran

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine ground lamb and beef in a large bowl with grated onion, soaked bread, garlic, egg, and all the spices thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Knead the mixture vigorously for five minutes until it becomes smooth, sticky, and well combined with visible cohesion.

  3. 3

    Shape into oval patties about eight centimeters long and two centimeters thick, pressing firmly so they hold together tightly.

  4. 4

    Grill over hot charcoal or cook in a heavy cast-iron skillet with minimal oil for four minutes per side until charred.

  5. 5

    Let the kofte rest for two minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly throughout each perfectly formed patty.

  6. 6

    Serve on warm flatbread with sliced tomatoes, grilled peppers, sumac-dressed onions, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon.

💡

Did You Know?

Turkey has over 290 officially documented varieties of köfte, each named after the town or region where it originated.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • mixing bowl
  • grill or heavy skillet
  • serving platter

Garnishing

sumac onions, parsley, lemon wedges

Accompaniments

grilled peppers, ayran

The Story Behind Köfte

Köfte represents one of the oldest forms of prepared meat in Turkish cuisine, with roots in the nomadic Turkic tribes of Central Asia. Each region of Turkey has developed its own signature variation, from Inegöl to Tekirdağ.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch or dinner 📜 Origins: Ancient Turkic tradition

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