Middle Eastern cuisine is revered for its diverse and flavorful dishes, and among them, lamb kofta meatballs stand as a culinary masterpiece. Originating from the vibrant streets of the Middle East, these succulent meatballs are a delightful combination of minced lamb, aromatic herbs, and spices, expertly blended to create a symphony of flavors. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a mezze platter, lamb kofta meatballs are sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of the Middle East.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with two distinct recipes for lamb kofta meatballs. The first recipe offers a traditional approach, using simple yet authentic ingredients to create classic lamb kofta meatballs. The second recipe presents a unique twist, incorporating the distinct flavors of sumac and pine nuts to elevate the meatballs to new heights of culinary delight. Both recipes offer step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can create these delectable treats with ease.
MIDDLE EASTERN LAMB KOFTA
Made with fragrant spices, roasted nuts, herbs and aromatics, this lamb kofta will take your taste buds on an adventure.
Provided by Jennifer Segal
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 6 (about 28 golf ball-sized meatballs)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place the nuts in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse until finely chopped but not pasty. Transfer the nuts to a small dry skillet over medium heat; cook, stirring frequently, until the nuts are lightly browned and fragrant, 5 to 6 minutes. Pour the nuts into mixing bowl large enough to hold all of the ingredients, and set aside to cool. (Don't leave the nuts in the pan, as the residual heat may cause them to burn.)
- Place the onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro in the bowl of the food processor (no need to clean it first). Pulse until the vegetables are finely minced but not puréed. Set a fine sieve over a medium bowl. Transfer the minced vegetables to the sieve and use a rubber spatula to press out as much liquid as possible. Add the strained vegetable mixture to the bowl with the nuts.
- To the veggies and nuts, add the lamb, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, and white pepper. Using your hands, mash the mixture together until evenly combined.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Form the mixture into patties about 2 inches in diameter and ½-inch thick (they will puff up on the grill to look like meatballs). Place on the baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Place the kofta on the grill and cook, covered, until browned, about 4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Serve with tzatziki and hummus.
- Note: If you like your kofta spicy, reserve some of the seeds from the jalapeño pepper and add them with the vegetables. Also, be sure to wash your hands well after handling hot peppers, and do not touch your eyes while working with them.
- Make-Ahead: The patties can be made and refrigerated up to two days ahead of time.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The uncooked patties can be frozen for up to three months. (Freeze the patties on a baking sheet or plate so their shape sets, then transfer them to a sealable plastic bag for easy storage.) Defrost the burgers overnight in the refrigerator prior to serving and then cook as directed.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 4 meatballs, Calories 438, Fat 36 g, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sugar 1 g, Fiber 1 g, Sodium 382 mg, Cholesterol 95 mg
TURKISH MEATBALLS (KOFTA)
If you are looking for a tasty main dish meal, try my new Turkish meatballs.
Provided by Will
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Lamb Ground
Time 24m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Tear up bread slices into the bowl of a food processor; process into fine crumbs. Add ground lamb and egg; process until blended. Add parsley, garlic, cumin, mint, allspice, salt, and pepper; process until evenly combined.
- Roll lamb mixture into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.6 calories, Carbohydrate 4.8 g, Cholesterol 73.9 mg, Fat 11.6 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 13.9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 284.3 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
MEDITERRANEAN KOFTA MEATBALLS
For a new take on meatballs, try this quick kofta recipe to make flavorful Mediterranean meatballs full of spices and herbs. Shape meat mixture around soaked wooden skewers and grill them for a more authentic twist. -Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Place onion, parsley, mint, oregano and garlic in bowl of food processor. Pulse until minced. In large bowl, combine herb mixture, lemon pepper, salt, paprika and cumin. Add lamb; mix lightly but thoroughly. With wet hands, shape into 16 balls. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches; drain. Remove and keep warm. Serve meatballs over cooked couscous. Top with yogurt, tomato wedges, and red onion. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 24g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 482mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein.
LAMB KOFTAS
With only five ingredients, these lean meatballs couldn't be any easier to make.
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Lunch, Main course
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix together all the ingredients until well blended. Divide into eight balls, then roll each ball on a board with a cupped hand to turn them into ovals. Thread onto four metal skewers and brush with oil.
- To cook on a griddle: heat the pan until you can feel a good heat rising and cook for 3-4 mins each side. Don't turn until they are well sealed or the meat will stick to the grill or pan.
- Season if you want, and set aside. Serve the koftas with yogurt and spiced flat breads.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 141 calories, Fat 9 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 2 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 13 grams protein, Sodium 0.15 milligram of sodium
KOFTA MISHMISHEYA (LAMB MEATBALLS IN APRICOT SAUCE)
This is a recipe I have not yet tried. but it is from "The Book of Jewish Food" by Claudia Roden, and every single recipe I have made from that book so far has been a winner! This recipe originates in Iraq, and appeared originally in a 13th century Baghdad cookbook.
Provided by Susiecat too
Categories Lamb/Sheep
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large frying pan, fry the onion in oil until golden.
- With your hands, work the meat into a paste with the dried lime, cloves, allspice, 3/4 tsp salt, and pepper, and roll into walnut-sized balls.
- Add them to the pan and cook, turning them to brown all over.
- Stir in the tomato paste, add the drained apricots and the currants or raisins, and cover with water.
- Simmer about 25 minutes.
- Crush the apricots a bit with a fork, add lemon juice and sugar and a little salt and pepper, and simmer for another 20 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality lamb: This will result in more flavorful kofta meatballs.
- Grind the lamb yourself: This will give you more control over the texture of the meatballs.
- Season the lamb well: Use a combination of spices, such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and salt and pepper. If you use pre-mixed kofta spice, then use less salt to balance.
- Use a mixture of breadcrumbs and flour: This will help to bind the meatballs together.
- Chill the meatballs before cooking: This will help them to hold their shape.
- Cook the meatballs over medium heat: This will help to prevent them from becoming dry.
- Serve the meatballs with a variety of dipping sauces: This will allow your guests to choose their favorite flavor.
Conclusion:
Lamb kofta meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a weeknight meal. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make these meatballs at home. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting recipe, give these lamb kofta meatballs a try.
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