Turkey > Meatball > Şiş Köfte

Şiş Köfte with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Metal skewers
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a long sausage shape around a metal skewer.
3. Brush the köfte with olive oil and grill them over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
4. While the köfte are cooking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the diced tomatoes, water, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
8. Serve the köfte with the tomato sauce on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill over medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb can be used instead of ground beef
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Crushed red pepper flakes can be used instead of cayenne pepper

Variations:
- Add chopped parsley or cilantro to the köfte mixture for extra flavor
- Serve the köfte with a side of yogurt sauce or tzatziki
- Add chopped bell peppers and onions to the tomato sauce for a chunkier texture

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the metal skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill
- Don't overwork the köfte mixture or they will become tough
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the köfte are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover köfte and tomato sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the köfte in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Reheat the tomato sauce on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the köfte on a platter with the tomato sauce on the side and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro

Pairings:
- Serve the köfte with a side of rice or bulgur pilaf
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers

Suggested side dishes:
- Rice or bulgur pilaf
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the köfte are falling apart on the grill, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind them together.

Food safety advice:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the köfte are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Şiş köfte is a popular Turkish dish made from ground meat and spices shaped into sausage shapes and grilled on skewers.

Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and slightly sweet

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the köfte with a side of rice or bulgur pilaf and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

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Region: Turkish

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Aromatic, Meaty