Dairy-Free Turkish-Style Kofte

Savor the rich and aromatic flavors of Dairy-Free Turkish-Style Kofte, a mouthwatering spin on the classic Middle Eastern favorite that’s perfect for anyone avoiding dairy! This easy-to-make recipe combines ground beef or lamb (or both) with a medley of bold spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander, along with fresh parsley and grated onion for a wonderfully juicy and flavorful bite. The addition of baking soda ensures a tender texture, while a quick sear in olive oil delivers a perfectly crisp exterior. Ready in just 30 minutes, these kofte are ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Serve them with fluffy rice, fresh salad, or grilled vegetables, and don’t forget to add a drizzle of tahini or a dollop of hummus for the ultimate dairy-free feast. This simple, versatile recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil, for cooking

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.

Step 2

Add the ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, ground coriander, and baking soda to the meat mixture. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until the spices are evenly incorporated.

Step 3

Add 2 tablespoons of water to the mixture to keep the kofte juicy. Mix again until the water is fully absorbed.

Step 4

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a small patty or sausage-like oval shape, about 2-3 inches long. Place the shaped kofte on a plate or tray.

Step 5

If desired, cover the kofte and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 6

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the kofte in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 7

Cook each kofte for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

Step 8

Remove the cooked kofte from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve warm with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. Optionally, pair with a dairy-free tahini sauce or hummus for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(785.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1600.5

Total Fat 128.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 3384.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 24.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.5g	0%
Total Sugars 9.0g
Protein 93.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 189.6mg	0%
Iron 16.1mg	0%
Potassium 1856.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.9%

Protein: 23.0%

Carbs: 6.1%