HERBY CHICKEN KOFTA MEATBALLS

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Herby Chicken Kofta Meatballs image

This big batch of meatballs is inspired by kofta, the flavor-packed ground meat patties popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Stash them in your freezer so you always have the building blocks of a great meal. Try them simmered in tomato sauce, served over grains or greens, or packed into pita sandwiches with cucumbers, red onion, mint, and a tangy yogurt sauce.

Provided by David Tamarkin

Categories     #cook90     Chicken     Meatball     Dinner     Cumin     Coriander     Parsley     Mint     Garlic     Poultry

Yield Makes 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 medium yellow onions, coarsely chopped (about 3 cups)
4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups parsley leaves with tender stems
1 cup mint leaves
2 pounds ground chicken, preferably a mix of white and dark meat, not "low-fat"

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Pulse yellow onions and garlic in a food processor until very finely chopped.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chopped onion and garlic, season with 1/2 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, and red pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Scrape into a large bowl and let cool slightly.
  • Wipe out food processor and add parsley and mint. Pulse until finely chopped, then transfer to bowl with onion mixture. Add chicken and remaining 1 1/2 tsp. salt to bowl with onion mixture. Mix with your hands to combine, but do not overwork. Divide into 16 equal portions (about 1/3 cup per kofta). Shape into 3 1/2x2" "footballs" with tapered ends.
  • Arrange patties on a rimmed baking sheet and roast, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F, about 8 minutes per side.
  • Do Ahead
  • Kofta can be made 3 days ahead; transfer to an airtight container and chill, or freeze up to 6 months.

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