Turkish Beef Köfte

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ medium onion, finely minced
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¾ cup plain yogurt

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the ground beef in a medium bowl and add the minced onion, chopped fresh mint, cumin, 0.75 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper.

2. 2

   Mix gently with your hands until the ingredients are just combined and no streaks of meat remain; do not overmix or the köfte will become tough.

3. 3

   Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each one between your palms into a smooth ball about the size of a golf ball.

4. 4

   Place a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and pour in 2 tablespoons olive oil, waiting until it shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.

5. 5

   Carefully add the beef balls to the hot oil in a single layer, leaving a small space between each one so they brown instead of steam.

6. 6

   Let them sit undisturbed for 2 minutes until the bottoms turn deep golden brown, then roll each one a quarter turn using a wooden spoon.

7. 7

   Continue rolling and cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until all sides are golden brown and the centers are cooked through when cut open.

8. 8

   Transfer the cooked köfte to a clean plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, about 30 seconds per batch.

9. 9

   Spoon 0.75 cup plain yogurt into a shallow serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center.

10. 10

    Arrange the warm köfte in the yogurt well and serve immediately while the meatballs are still hot.

Tools you’ll need

• medium mixing bowl
• 12-inch skillet
• wooden spoon
• paper towels
• shallow serving bowl

More recipes like this

• 

  Vietnamese Chicken Curry (Cà Ri Gà)

  28 min

• 

  Chocolate Hazelnut Croissant

  25 min

• 

  Patatas Bravas

  25 min

• 

  Quick Chicken and Leek Pie

  28 min