Authentic Turkish Kofte Meatballs
These Authentic Turkish Kofte Meatballs are a delightful culinary experience that I learned during an immersive Turkish cooking class. Infused with the warm spices of cumin, cinnamon, and allspice, these tender and juicy meatballs shine with multifaceted flavors that embody the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. The addition of bulgur wheat gives them a satisfying texture, while the sweetness of raisins adds a delightful contrast. Feel free to enhance the flavors to your liking by adjusting the spices, and consider serving these delectable meatballs alongside a variety of mezze, fresh salads, or fragrant rice. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this recipe promises to transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Turkey. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried bulgur wheat
1 (cup)
Ground lamb
1 (lb)
Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Garlic
3 (cloves, chopped)
Raisins
1/4 (cup, soaked in hot water)
Cumin
2 (teaspoons)
Ground cinnamon
1 (teaspoon)
Allspice
1 (teaspoon)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Fresh parsley
to taste (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the bulgur wheat. Place the bulgur in a bowl and cover it with one cup of boiling water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed. Once done, uncover and let it cool for a few minutes.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, soaked raisins, cumin, ground cinnamon, allspice, and egg. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Add the cooled bulgur wheat to the meat mixture. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until you achieve a uniform consistency, making sure not to overwork the meat.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake. Alternatively, heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
5
Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately the size of a golf ball, then flatten each ball slightly for even cooking.
6
If baking, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. If frying, cook the meatballs in the hot oil, turning occasionally until they are evenly browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
7
Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Turkish Kofte Meatballs?
They are traditional Turkish-style meatballs made with ground lamb, bulgur wheat, and a blend of warm spices like cumin and cinnamon.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses one pound of ground lamb for an authentic flavor.
How do I prepare the bulgur wheat?
Place the dried bulgur in a bowl, cover it with one cup of boiling water, and let it soak for about 10 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
What spices are used in Turkish Kofte?
The recipe calls for cumin, ground cinnamon, and allspice to create a multifaceted flavor profile.
Why are raisins added to the meatballs?
Raisins are included to provide a delightful contrast of sweetness against the savory meat and spices.
Should the raisins be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the raisins should be soaked in hot water before being mixed into the meat.
Can I bake these meatballs?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 10-12 minutes.
Can I fry the Kofte instead of baking?
Yes, you can fry them in a pan over medium-high heat for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
What size should the meatballs be?
The mixture should be shaped into balls approximately the size of a golf ball.
Why should I flatten the meatballs?
Flattening the meatballs slightly ensures they cook evenly whether you are baking or frying them.
What role does the egg play in the recipe?
The beaten egg acts as a binding agent to help the meatballs hold their shape.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires three cloves of minced garlic.
What should I use for a garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley is recommended as a garnish before serving.
What texture does bulgur wheat provide?
Bulgur wheat gives the meatballs a satisfying and unique texture characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
Is it okay to overwork the meat mixture?
No, you should gently mix the ingredients with your hands until uniform, taking care not to overwork the meat.
What are some suggested side dishes for Kofte?
These meatballs pair well with various mezze, fresh salads, or fragrant rice.
Are these meatballs suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, they are perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or any occasion where you want to serve vibrant Turkish flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the meat, grains, spices, and garnishes.
How long should the bulgur cool before mixing?
After soaking for 10 minutes, let the bulgur cool for a few minutes before adding it to the meat mixture.
What temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
Do I need parchment paper for baking?
Yes, lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is recommended to prevent sticking.
Can I adjust the spice levels?
Absolutely, you can enhance or adjust the spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is straightforward to follow.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by an immersive Turkish cooking class focused on authentic local techniques.
Can I use different meat?
While this recipe uses lamb for authenticity, you can technically substitute other ground meats if preferred.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they are browned on the outside and cooked through to the center.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is cooking the bulgur wheat by soaking it in boiling water.
Should the garlic be minced?
Yes, the garlic cloves should be finely minced for even distribution of flavor.
Is the parsley cooked inside the meatball?
No, the fresh parsley is used as a fresh garnish after the meatballs have finished cooking.