Turkish Kofta Kebabs
These aromatic, juicy meat skewers combine ground lamb and beef with a perfect blend of Mediterranean spices, creating a dish that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/2 pound ground beef 80/20 fat content
- 1 medium onion finely grated
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg optional, helps binding
Instructions
- Start by placing the grated onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture – this prevents your kebabs from falling apart.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, beef, drained onion, garlic, and all spices. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. This helps the flavors develop and makes the meat easier to shape.
- When ready to cook, divide the mixture into 8-10 portions and shape each around a skewer, forming an elongated sausage shape about 1-inch thick.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
- Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.