Low Sodium Turkish-Style Kofte

Savor the bold, aromatic flavors of the Middle East with this Low Sodium Turkish-Style Kofte recipe—a healthier twist on a beloved classic. These juicy, well-seasoned meat patties showcase a harmonious blend of ground beef or lamb, freshly grated onion, garlic, and an array of warm spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander, all brought together with a touch of fresh parsley. With no added salt, this recipe relies on its vibrant seasonings to deliver a mouthwatering, guilt-free dining experience. Perfectly pan-seared to golden perfection in olive oil, these kofte are ready in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for a quick yet satisfying dinner. Serve with creamy yogurt, crisp salads, or warm whole wheat pita bread for a complete, low-sodium Mediterranean-inspired meal the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef or lamb (85% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (unsalted)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, black pepper, coriander, and optional chili flakes.

Step 2

Crack the egg into the mixture and add the breadcrumbs. Mix well using your hands or a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Do not overmix.

Step 3

Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4

Once chilled, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small oval patties, about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.

Step 5

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.

Step 6

Cook the kofte for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and fully cooked in the center. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 7

Serve the kofte warm with a side of plain yogurt, a fresh salad, or whole wheat pita bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(739.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1754.0

Total Fat 122.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 619.5mg	0%
Sodium 666.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 33.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.3g	0%
Total Sugars 6.6g
Protein 117.6g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 256.7mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 1878.9mg	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: 64.5%

Protein: 27.6%

Carbs: 7.9%