Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Olive oil, for cooking
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or grill pan
- Wooden skewers (if grilling)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Divide the mixture into 8-10 portions and shape each portion into a sausage shape.
3. If using a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the köfte and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. If grilling, thread the köfte onto wooden skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt, parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
5. Serve the köfte hot with the yogurt sauce on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
5. Temperature:
Skillet: Medium-high heat
Grill: Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4-5 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of beef
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Mint can be used instead of parsley in the yogurt sauce
Variations:
- Add chopped mint or cilantro to the köfte mixture for extra flavor
- Serve the köfte with pita bread and sliced tomatoes and cucumbers for a complete meal
- Make a spicy yogurt sauce by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overwork the meat mixture or the köfte will become tough
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning
- Use a non-stick skillet for easy cleanup
Storage instructions:
Leftover köfte can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the köfte in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the köfte on a platter and drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or mint
Pairings:
- Serve the köfte with a side of rice pilaf or bulgur salad
- Pair with a crisp salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers
Suggested side dishes:
- Rice pilaf
- Bulgur salad
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the köfte is falling apart while cooking, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the köfte is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Köfte is a traditional Turkish dish made from ground meat and spices. It is a popular street food in Turkey and can be found in many restaurants and cafes.
Flavor profiles:
The köfte is savory and slightly spicy from the cumin and paprika. The yogurt sauce is tangy and refreshing.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the köfte with a side of rice pilaf or bulgur salad and a crisp salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
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Region: Turkish