Turkey > Turkish Köfte

Lamb Köfte with Pomegranate Molasses Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses

Special equipment needed:
- Skewers

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add in the chopped parsley and mint, and mix until well combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a sausage shape.
4. Thread each sausage shape onto a skewer.
5. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Brush the lamb köfte with pomegranate molasses.
7. Grill the lamb köfte for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
8. Serve hot with additional pomegranate molasses on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan preheated to medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 22g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or ground turkey can be substituted for ground lamb.
- Instead of pomegranate molasses, you can use balsamic glaze or honey.

Variations:
- Add in chopped pistachios or pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Mix in some crumbled feta cheese for added flavor.
- Serve the lamb köfte with a side of tzatziki sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture, as this can result in tough köfte.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb köfte are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover lamb köfte can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the lamb köfte in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lamb köfte on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or mint

Pairings:
- Serve the lamb köfte with a side of rice pilaf or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Hummus
- Greek salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lamb köfte are falling apart on the grill, try chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping them into sausage shapes.

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

Food history:
- Köfte is a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish made from ground meat and spices. It is a popular street food in many countries.

Flavor profiles:
- The lamb köfte is savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the pomegranate molasses.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lamb köfte as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of rice or vegetables.

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Region: Turkish

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Sweet, Sour