Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Skewers (if making grilled köfte)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the mixture into small, oval-shaped patties, about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. If making grilled köfte, thread the patties onto skewers.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the köfte patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. If making grilled köfte, grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Skillet: medium-high heat
- Grill: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 12 köfte patties
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be substituted for ground lamb
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for regular breadcrumbs
- Ground coriander or allspice can be substituted for ground cinnamon
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, to the köfte mixture for added flavor
- Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping
- Make a sandwich with the köfte patties, pita bread, and sliced vegetables
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overwork the köfte mixture, as this can make the patties tough
- If making grilled köfte, soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the patties to prevent them from burning
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the köfte mixture
Storage instructions:
- Leftover köfte can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the köfte patties in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the köfte patties on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice pilaf or roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Hummus
- Pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the köfte patties are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the köfte patties are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
- Köfte is a popular dish in Turkish cuisine, typically made with ground meat and spices.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, spiced, and slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
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Region: Turkish