Savory Turkish Lamb Kofta
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of these Savory Turkish Lamb Kofta, a beloved dish from the heart of Turkey. These succulent meatballs, traditionally made with flavorful minced lamb, are seasoned to perfection with a blend of warm spices and fresh herbs. Each bite offers a delightful burst of taste and a tender, juicy texture. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these koftas can be enjoyed on their own or served with accompaniments like yogurt sauce, tahini, or wrapped in pita bread. Elevate your dining experience with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings a taste of Turkey to your table!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Wheat Bread
2 slices (Slightly stale, broken into pieces)
Lean Ground Lamb
1 lb (Freshly minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (Dried spice)
Allspice
1/2 teaspoon (Dried spice)
Dried Mint
1 teaspoon (Dried herb)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (Fine chopped)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing fine breadcrumbs: Take 2 slices of slightly stale whole wheat bread and break them into pieces before placing them in the bowl of a food processor.
2
Pulse the bread until it becomes fine crumbs.
3
In a large bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs with 1 pound of lean ground lamb and 1 egg. Mix well until fully incorporated.
4
Add the spices: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon dried mint, minced garlic (2 cloves), and finely chopped parsley (2 tablespoons).
5
Process the mixture again until all ingredients are well combined and achieve a fine texture.
6
Using dampened hands or a melon baller, form the mixture into small meatballs or finger-shaped patties, approximately 1-2 inches in size.
7
At this point, you can cook the kofta immediately or refrigerate the mixture for several hours to enhance the flavors.
8
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the kofta to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
9
Fry the kofta for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are evenly browned and cooked through.
10
Once cooked, remove the kofta with a slotted spoon to drain excess oil.
11
These savory lamb kofta can be served hot or at room temperature. Pair them with a refreshing yogurt sauce, tahini, or place them on a bed of rice or inside warm pita bread for a delectable meal.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
8g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkish Lamb Kofta?
It is a traditional Turkish dish featuring succulent meatballs made with minced lamb, seasoned with warm spices and fresh herbs.
What type of meat is used in this kofta recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground lamb, freshly minced.
How do I prepare the breadcrumbs for the mixture?
Take 2 slices of slightly stale whole wheat bread, break them into pieces, and pulse them in a food processor until they become fine crumbs.
What binder is used to hold the meatballs together?
One egg is used as a binding agent to help the lamb and breadcrumb mixture stay together.
What spices give the kofta its aromatic flavor?
The kofta is seasoned with ground cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper.
Are there any herbs in the Savory Turkish Lamb Kofta?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried mint and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
How much garlic should I add?
You should add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the lamb mixture.
What size should the koftas be?
Form the mixture into small meatballs or finger-shaped patties that are approximately 1-2 inches in size.
Should I refrigerate the kofta mixture before cooking?
You can cook them immediately, or you can refrigerate the mixture for several hours to enhance the flavors.
How do I cook the lamb kofta?
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat and fry the kofta for 10-12 minutes.
How do I prevent the kofta from sticking to my hands?
Using dampened hands while forming the meatballs or patties can prevent the mixture from sticking.
Can I use a tool to shape the meatballs?
Yes, a melon baller can be used to help form consistent 1-2 inch meatballs.
What should the texture of the meat mixture be?
The ingredients should be processed together until they achieve a fine, well-combined texture.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 14 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the Turkish Lamb Kofta?
Each serving contains 13 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the kofta?
There are 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What serving suggestions go well with kofta?
They are delicious served with yogurt sauce, tahini, rice, or wrapped inside warm pita bread.
Can I serve these meatballs as an appetizer?
Yes, they are perfect as either an appetizer or a main dish.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe recommends using olive oil for frying the meatballs.
Do I need to turn the kofta while cooking?
Yes, turn them occasionally during the 10-12 minutes of frying to ensure they are evenly browned.
How should I remove the kofta from the pan?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked kofta and drain any excess oil.
Can I eat these koftas at room temperature?
Yes, these savory lamb koftas can be served either hot or at room temperature.
What is the benefit of using stale bread?
Stale bread creates better breadcrumbs for the mixture, which helps with the texture of the meatballs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 primary ingredients including the meat, bread, oil, and various seasonings.
Is this a Mediterranean-style recipe?
Yes, it is a Mediterranean dish rooted in the culinary traditions of Turkey.
Should I use a specific heat level for frying?
The recipe specifies using medium heat to ensure the meatballs cook through without burning.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe suitable for elevating your dining experience.
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
While traditionally made with lamb, you could substitute ground beef, though the flavor profile will change.
Should I put many koftas in the pan at once?
No, you should be careful not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning.