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Kofte (Turkish Meatballs)

Juicy pan-fried Turkish meatballs seasoned with onion, cumin, and allspice, served with a simple tomato sauce and flatbread. A beloved weeknight staple with bold, aromatic flavor in every bite.

40 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

TurkishDinnerStovetopHigh ProteinLow CarbPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely grated
  • 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl combine 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20), 1 finely grated yellow onion, 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well with your hands until the mixture is uniform. Do not overwork.

  2. 2

    Divide the mixture into equal portions and roll into oval patties about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick, using about 2 tablespoons of mixture each.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the kofte for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned on all sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

  4. 4

    Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 1 can crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. 5

    Return the kofte to the pan and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer together for 2 minutes. Scatter 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley over the top and serve immediately with flatbread or rice.

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Questions

What is Kofte (Turkish Meatballs)?

Juicy pan-fried Turkish meatballs seasoned with onion, cumin, and allspice, served with a simple tomato sauce and flatbread. A beloved weeknight staple with bold, aromatic flavor in every bite. This reference files it under Turkish dinner: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 40 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Kofte (Turkish Meatballs) reach?

For Kofte (Turkish Meatballs), the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 3. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Is there a substitute for allspice in Kofte (Turkish Meatballs)?

The entry for Kofte (Turkish Meatballs) calls for 1/2 tsp ground allspice. In its place: Equal parts ground cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Kofte (Turkish Meatballs)?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Kofte (Turkish Meatballs) uses 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20).

Can I make Kofte (Turkish Meatballs) gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Kofte (Turkish Meatballs) is 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Kofte (Turkish Meatballs) contain eggs?

Yes: 1 large egg. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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