Mediterranean Diet Turkish-Style Kofte

Savor the irresistible flavors of the Mediterranean with this Turkish-Style Kofte recipe, a perfect addition to your heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Made with lean ground lamb or beef, finely grated onion, fresh parsley, and a fragrant blend of cumin, paprika, and oregano, these juicy, spiced meat patties are bursting with authentic Turkish flavor. Quick to prepare with a 20-minute prep time and just 15 minutes of cooking, these kofte are pan-seared to perfection, offering a tender, flavorful interior with a beautifully golden crust. They're best served with creamy Greek yogurt, warm whole grain pita bread, and a refreshing side of cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber, creating a well-balanced meal packed with protein and nutrient-rich vegetables. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a zesty finishing touch, and transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Turkey with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Using clean hands, mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the kofte dense.

Step 3

Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions and shape each into an oval or cylindrical shape. Flatten slightly for even cooking.

Step 4

Cover and let the kofte chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 5

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Remove the cooked kofte from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8

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

Serving size	(1581.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2506.6

Total Fat 139.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 381.7mg	0%
Sodium 5246.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 189.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.4g
Protein 139.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 607.3mg	0%
Iron 24.7mg	0%
Potassium 3471.4mg	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: 48.8%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 29.5%