Kofta beef kebabs
12
- Prep Time15 mins
- Total Time15 mins
- Makes6 koftas
Andreas Trauttmansdorff
Ingredients
12 large skewers
1 egg
1 slice white bread
3 garlic cloves, minced, or 2 tsp bottled chopped garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint, or coriander
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
500 g ground beef
Instructions
Oil grill and heat barbecue to medium. If using wooden skewers, soak in water. In a medium-size bowl, whisk egg. Tear bread (including crusts) into small pieces, then add to egg. Using a fork, mash until bread soaks up most of egg. Stir in garlic, mint, cumin, cinnamon and salt. Crumble in beef. Using a fork or your hands, gently mix together. Do not overwork or koftas will be tough.
Divide meat mixture into 6 portions. Form each into a log about 4 inches (10 cm) long. Gently flatten. Place 2 skewers 1/2 inch (1 cm) apart lengthwise on flattened mixture. Mould meat firmly around skewers. Place on a large plate. Repeat with remaining meat mixture and skewers.
Place skewers on grill. Barbecue, covered, 4 minutes, then gently turn. Continue to barbecue until meat feels firm to the touch, 4 to 5 more minutes. Good with tabbouleh salad, grilled red onions and pitas.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 167, Protein 16g, Carbohydrates 3.2g, Fat 9.7g, Fibre 0.3g, Sodium 270mg.
If you're looking for the ease of a hamburger but want something a bit more intriguing, try these koftas - they're popular street food in Turkey.
Terrific Toppers
Raid the fridge and dress up koftas or your favourite burger with any of these quick toppings.
* store-bought creamy or vinaigrette-style coleslaw * hot or mild salsa stirred with grated old cheddar * seeded and chopped tomatoes, cucumber and crumbled feta * a spoonful of mango chutney and sour cream * thin slices of pickled beets and a sprinkling of blue cheese
Indoor Sizzle
Preheat grilling machine to medium-high. Place koftas on grill. Close lid and grill until meat feels firm to the touch, 3 to 5 minutes. Or position oven rack 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) from broiler. Preheat broiler. Place koftas on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil until meat feels firm to the touch, 10 minutes. You don't need to turn koftas.