18 Traditional Turkish Kofte Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse dishes, and one staple that stands out is the traditional Turkish kofte recipe. Kofte, which translates to "meatball" in English, is a delicious blend of ground meat, herbs, and spices that is shaped into balls and cooked to perfection. This savory dish has been a favorite in Turkish households for centuries and is a must-try for any food lover.
Main Ingredients: Pistachios, Ground Lamb, Ground Beef, Cumin, Thyme
This recipe puts a fun twist on traditional Turkish kofte by serving them in mini pitas. The juicy and flavorful kofte are wrapped in warm, soft pita bread and topped with a tangy yogurt sauce and fresh herbs. It's the perfect party appetizer or a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Mother-In-Law’s Turkish Kofte
Main Ingredients: White Bread, Ground Lamb, Onion, Ground Cumin, Salt
This recipe for Turkish kofte is a family favorite, passed down from the mother-in-law of the author. It's a simple and delicious version of the classic dish, made with ground beef, onion, and a blend of spices. Serve it with a side of rice and a salad for a complete meal that will please everyone at the table.
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Pideli Köfte (Turkish Kofte with pide/ flat bread)
Main Ingredients: Minced Meat, Lamb, Breadcrumb, Onion, Garlic, Cumin
Pideli köfte is a popular street food in Turkey, made with grilled kofte served over pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread. This recipe offers a simple and tasty version of the dish, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The kofte are seasoned with spices and shaped into small patties before being grilled to perfection and served on top of the warm pide bread.
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Turkish Kofte Bowls
Main Ingredients: Beef Mince, Cumin, Salt, Pepper, Herbs, Chilli Flakes
For a healthy and satisfying meal, try these Turkish kofte bowls. The kofte are made with a mixture of ground beef and lamb, then grilled to perfection. They are served over a bed of quinoa or rice, along with roasted vegetables and a tangy yogurt sauce. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner option.
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Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köfte)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Bulgur, Olive Oil, Pepper, Salt
For a vegetarian twist on traditional kofte, try these Turkish lentil balls. They are made with red lentils and bulgur, and seasoned with a blend of spices and fresh herbs. These lentil balls are a healthy and tasty alternative to meat-based kofte and can be served with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal.
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İzmir Köfte / Turkish Izmir Kofte (meatballs)
Main Ingredients: Ground Meat, Bread, Medium Egg, Onion, Salt, Black
Izmir köfte is a specialty from the Izmir region of Turkey, made with a unique blend of spices and herbs. This recipe offers a simple and delicious version of the dish, with tender and flavorful meatballs served over a bed of rice and topped with a tangy tomato sauce. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Etsiz Çiğ Köfte / Turkish Meatless Raw kofte "meatball"
Main Ingredients: Bulgur, Medium Yellow Onion, Walnut, Garlic, Chili
For a unique and healthy take on kofte, try this Turkish meatless raw kofte recipe. This dish is made with a mixture of bulgur, herbs, and spices, and shaped into small "meatballs" that are served with fresh vegetables and a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing. It's a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Turkish Meatballs – KÖFTE
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Egg, Bread Crumbs, Fresh Parsley, Spice
This Turkish meatball recipe is a classic and simple version of the dish, made with a blend of ground beef and lamb, and seasoned with traditional Turkish spices. The meatballs are grilled to perfection and served over a bed of rice, along with a side of roasted vegetables. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy.
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Mercimek Koftesi – Turkish Red Lentil and Bulgur Kofte...
Main Ingredients: Red Lentil, Bulgur, Onion, Parsley, Spring Onions
For a twist on traditional kofte, try this Turkish red lentil and bulgur kofte recipe. The lentils and bulgur are mixed with spices and formed into small balls, then baked until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve them with a tangy yogurt sauce for a delicious and healthy appetizer or side dish.
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Turkish Meatballs – Kofte
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Egg, Bread Crumbs, Spice Mix, Fresh
This recipe for Turkish meatballs is a family favorite, made with a mixture of ground beef and lamb, and seasoned with a blend of spices and fresh herbs. The meatballs are cooked until tender and juicy, then served with a side of rice and a simple tomato sauce. It's a comforting and tasty dish that is sure to be a hit.
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Köfte: Turkish Grilled Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Small Onion, White Bread, Egg, Garlic
Grilled köfte is a popular dish in Turkey, made with seasoned ground meat that is shaped into small patties and grilled to perfection. This recipe offers a simple and delicious version of the dish, with a blend of spices and herbs that add a flavorful kick to the meatballs. Serve them with a side of flatbread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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Içli Köfte (Turkish Stuffed Meatball)
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Small Onion, Walnuts, Salt, Black Pepper
Içli köfte is a traditional Turkish dish that features a meatball stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices. This recipe offers a simple and tasty version of the dish, with a flavorful meatball that is stuffed with a delicious filling and then pan-fried until crispy. Serve them with a side of yogurt dip or a fresh salad for a memorable meal.
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Turkish-Style Beef Köfte Kebab
Main Ingredients: Onion, Ground Beef, Garlic, Fine Sea Salt, Freshly
This recipe puts a twist on traditional Turkish kofte by shaping the meat mixture into long, thin kebabs before grilling them to perfection. The beef is mixed with a blend of spices and fresh herbs, then skewered and grilled for a delicious and easy meal. Serve them with warm flatbread and a tangy yogurt sauce for a tasty and satisfying dinner.
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Turkish Style Vegan Kofte Kebabs
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Panko Breadcrumbs, Small Onion, Garlic
For a meatless version of traditional kofte, try these vegan kofte kebabs. The kebabs are made with a mixture of lentils, bulgur, and spices, shaped into long, thin skewers, and grilled until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve them with a side of rice and a fresh salad for a healthy and flavorful meal.
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Ekşili Köfte Çorbası (Turkish Meatball Soup)
Main Ingredients: Minced Beef, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Long Grain Rice
This recipe for Turkish meatball soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and lamb, and the soup is flavored with a tangy and savory broth made from a mixture of lemon juice and tomato paste. Serve it with a side of warm bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Kofte (Turkish Meatballs) with Sauteed Pomegranate...
This recipe for kofte with sauteed pomegranate molasses offers a unique and flavorful twist on traditional Turkish kofte. The meatballs are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then grilled to perfection and served with a tangy and sweet pomegranate molasses sauce. It's a delicious and easy meal that is sure to impress.
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Turkish Spicy Meatless "Steak" Tartar (Çiğ Köfte)
Main Ingredients: Ripe Tomatoes, Bulgur, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Stale
Çiğ köfte is a spicy and flavorful dish that is a popular street food in Turkey. This recipe offers a meatless version of the dish, made with a mixture of bulgur, spices, and fresh herbs. The "steak" tartar is served with fresh vegetables and a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing for a unique and delicious meal.
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İzmir köfte (Turkish meatballs with potato and tomato...
Main Ingredients: Minced Beef, Bread, Egg, Chili, Garlic, Flat Leaf
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try this recipe for Izmir köfte with potato and tomato stew. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and lamb, then cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato and potato stew. Serve it with a side of rice and a fresh salad for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Vegan Turkish Red Lentil Balls (Mercimekli Kofte) |...
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Bulgur, Olive Oil, Onion, Pepper
For a vegan version of traditional kofte, try these red lentil balls. They are made with a blend of red lentils, bulgur, and spices, then shaped into small balls and baked until crispy. Serve them with a side of fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt sauce for a healthy and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.
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Cherry Turkish Taffy
Main Ingredients: Egg White, Sugar, Water, Cornstarch, Cherry Jam, Butter
For a sweet and delicious dessert, try this recipe for cherry Turkish taffy. The chewy and flavorful taffy is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect treat to enjoy after a meal. Serve it with a cup of Turkish coffee for an authentic Turkish experience.
Making the Perfect Kofte
Ingredients
To make the perfect Turkish kofte, you will need ground beef, lamb, or a mixture of both, as well as onions, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, and a variety of spices such as cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes. The key to a delicious kofte is using high-quality meat and fresh herbs and spices, so don't be afraid to splurge on these ingredients.
Preparation
To start, mix the ground meat with finely chopped onions, garlic, and parsley. This will not only add flavor but also help keep the kofte moist. Next, add in your breadcrumbs and spices, making sure to use a generous amount of cumin, which is a key ingredient in Turkish kofte. Mix everything together until well combined, and then shape the mixture into small, round balls.
Cooking
There are several ways to cook kofte, but the most traditional method is on a skewer over a charcoal grill. This adds a smoky flavor to the meatballs and gives them a nice char on the outside. If you don't have a grill, you can also pan-fry or bake the kofte. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cook them until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked on the inside, so they are juicy and flavorful.
Serving
Kofte can be served in a variety of ways, but the most common is to place them on top of a bed of rice or bulgur pilaf and drizzle with a tomato and red pepper sauce. You can also serve them on their own as an appetizer or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a side of yogurt for a traditional Turkish touch.
In Conclusion
The traditional Turkish kofte recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that is sure to impress. With its blend of flavorful meat, herbs, and spices, it is a staple in Turkish cuisine and a must-try for anyone looking to explore new flavors. So next time you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, give this recipe a try and experience the taste of Turkey in your own home.
