Best 3 Turkish Meatballs Kofta Recipes
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Turkish cuisine with our tantalizing Turkish Meatballs (Köfte) recipes. Discover the art of crafting these succulent meatballs, also known as köfte, a staple dish savored across Turkey and beyond. Our collection features three distinct variations of köfte, each offering a unique flavor profile and cooking method. Whether you prefer the classic pan-fried köfte, the oven-baked izgara köfte, or the delectable çiğ köfte made with raw meat, we have a recipe to suit your taste and skill level. Prepare to delight your palate with these flavorful and versatile meatballs, perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special gatherings.
The classic Turkish Meatballs, or köfte, are made with ground beef, lamb, or a combination of both, mixed with herbs, spices, and breadcrumbs. They are typically pan-fried until golden brown and served with a variety of dipping sauces. Izgara köfte, also known as grilled meatballs, are made with the same ingredients as the classic köfte, but they are cooked on a grill or in the oven. They have a slightly smoky flavor and a crispy exterior. Çiğ köfte, or raw meatballs, are a unique Turkish dish made with raw ground beef, bulgur, spices, and herbs. They are served with a spicy tomato sauce and are a popular appetizer or snack.
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
TURKISH MEATBALLS (KOFTA)
These are the well-known Turkish Kofta, delicious little meat balls or patties. You can make them with beef, but lamb is traditional and makes them very special.
Provided by Jenny Sanders
Categories Lamb/Sheep
Time 35m
Yield 36 meatballs, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Make the bread crumbs by breaking up 2 slices of stale but not dried out whole wheat bread into the bowl of a food processor.
- Whizz until finely crumbed.
- Add the ground lamb and the egg, and process until blended.
- Add the spices, garlic and parsley.
- Process the meat well to achieve a fine texture.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs (I use a melonballer) or finger shaped patties using dampened hands.
- You may cook them at once, or refrigerate the mixture for several hours.
- (If your meat is very fresh, you can divide it in half and wrap part well in plastic for the next day's meal.) Heat the oil in a heavy skillet, and fry the balls or patties until cooked through and evenly browned.
- The meatballs should be stirred several times, the patties turned once.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon to drain.
- Serve the meatballs hot or at room temperature as an appetizer.
- Lovely with a yogurt or tahini sauce, on a bed of rice or in a pita.
KADIN BUDDU KOFTA (TURKISH MEATBALLS)
Simple, but very tasty! One of my favorite Turkish foods. Literally, kadin buddu means 'ladies' thighs.' Coated in egg and then fried, Turkish koftas come in all shapes, sizes, and degrees of spiciness. You can do a lot with them. Serve with breads, rice, sauces, gravies, salads, and onion rings, or serve them as-is for an appetizer or snack.
Provided by Zainab Pervaiz
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Meat and Poultry Meatball Appetizer Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine ground lamb, cooked rice, salt, garam masala, and ground black pepper in a bowl. Transfer mixture to a food processor and pulse until combined, 1 to 2 times. Stir dill into the mixture.
- Shape mixture into 10 meatballs about 2 inches in diameter.
- Beat egg in a small bowl. Pour flour onto a shallow dish. Dip meatballs in the beaten egg; dredge in flour.
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook meatballs until golden on all sides, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 379.4 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 113.1 mg, Fat 27.6 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 21.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 1475.6 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
Tips:
- To ensure the most flavorful and juicy meatballs, choose high-quality ground beef or lamb. A combination of both can also be used for a richer flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro add a burst of flavor to the meatballs. Chop them finely to evenly distribute their taste throughout the mixture.
- Adding bread crumbs or soaked bread to the meatball mixture helps bind the ingredients together and creates a tender texture.
- Gently mix the meatball ingredients without overworking them. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
- Form the meatballs into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Brown the meatballs in a pan before simmering them in the tomato sauce. This step adds color and enhances the flavor.
- Use a flavorful tomato sauce made with fresh or canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. You can also add spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder to taste.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat.
- Serve the Turkish meatballs with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad. They can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or mezze platter.
Conclusion:
Turkish meatballs, also known as kofta, offer a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or appetizer. With their tender texture, flavorful tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, these meatballs are a staple of Turkish cuisine. Whether you prefer beef, lamb, or a combination of both, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your unique variation of this classic dish. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of Turkish culinary tradition.
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