Mediterranean Diet Turkish-Style Kofte
Savor the robust flavors of the Mediterranean with this Turkish-Style Kofte recipe, a healthy and delicious addition to your Mediterranean diet. Made with lean ground lamb or beef, finely grated onion, fresh parsley, and a fragrant mix of cumin, paprika, and oregano, these juicy kofte are packed with bold, savory spices. Perfectly seared in olive oil, they’re tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior. Serve them with creamy Greek yogurt, warm whole grain pita or flatbread, and a fresh side of cherry tomatoes and cucumber for a complete, nutritious meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Garnished with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic finish, this dish is the epitome of Mediterranean comfort food! Ready in just 35 minutes, this protein-packed recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g Lean ground lamb or beef (80-85% lean)
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely grated
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 30 g Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground paprika
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 200 g Plain Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
- 4 pieces Whole grain pita bread or flatbread (for serving, optional)
- 200 g Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Cucumber, diced
- 10 g Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Using clean hands, mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the kofte dense.
Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions and shape each into an oval or cylindrical shape. Flatten slightly for even cooking.
Cover and let the kofte chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
Cook the kofte for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 70°C/160°F). Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
Remove the cooked kofte from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the kofte with Greek yogurt, whole grain pita bread or flatbread, and a side of cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2507 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.4 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.4 g | 232% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 382 mg | 127% | |
| Sodium | 5246 mg | 228% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 189.3 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.3 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.4 g | ||
| Protein | 139.6 g | 279% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 607 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 24.7 mg | 137% | |
| Potassium | 3471 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
