Spicy Lamb Köfte Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil

Special Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Skewers
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg.
2. Mix the ingredients together 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. Brush the lamb köfte with olive oil.
6. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
7. Grill the lamb köfte for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and browned.
8. Remove the lamb köfte from the skewers and serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Fat: 22g
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 420mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of lamb.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Dried parsley and mint can be used instead of fresh.
- Red pepper flakes can be used instead of cayenne pepper.

Variations:
- Add chopped jalapeño peppers for extra heat.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce for a cooling contrast.
- Add diced tomatoes and cucumbers for a fresh salad topping.

Tips and Tricks:
- Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture or the köfte will become tough.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb köfte is 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:
To reheat, place the lamb köfte in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the lamb köfte on a platter with sliced lemons and fresh herbs for a colorful presentation.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or mint for added flavor and color.

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

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Greek salad
- Hummus and pita bread
- Roasted potatoes

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lamb köfte is falling apart on the grill, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
- If the lamb köfte is dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture.

Food Safety Advice:
- Always wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw meat.
- Cook the lamb köfte to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food History:
Köfte is a popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish made with ground meat and spices. It is often served on skewers and grilled.

Flavor Profiles:
This recipe has a spicy and smoky flavor profile from the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the lamb köfte with a side of tzatziki sauce and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Turkish

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Herby, Aromatic, Meaty