Turkish Meatballs Kofte

Tap an ingredient or step to check it off.

1. 1Step 1: Soak the stale bread slices in a small bowl of water then squeeze them dry.
2. 2Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all the kofte, meatball ingredients except the meat and knead well.
3. 3Step 3: Stir in the ground meat, season with salt (about 1 – 2 tsp.) and ground black pepper to your taste.
4. 4Step 4: Knead for a good 3-5 minutes with your hands, until the mixture becomes elastic and mixed well.
5. 5Step 5: Cover this mixture with a cling film and rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
6. 6Step 6: Wet your hands and take a small tangerine size of the meat mixture and roll into a ball.
7. 7Step 7: Slightly flatten each ball with the heel of your hand.
8. 8Step 8: Place the meatballs in a tray ready cook side by side and continue until all the meat mixture is shaped into meatballs.
9. 9Step 9: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a wide, heavy (preferably non-stick) pan and place the meatballs, 4 -5 of them at a time.
10. 10Step 10: Cook for about 6 -8 minutes (3- 4 minutes each side), until cooked and browned on all sides.
11. 11Step 11: Alternatively, you can grill them until brown both sides.
12. 12Step 12: Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
13. 13Step 13: Serve the meatballs hot with this refreshing grated carrots and red cabbage salad by the side.
14. 14Step 14: Remove the tough outer leaves and the middle hard part of the red cabbage.
15. 15Step 15: Halve the cabbage and slice thinly.
16. 16Step 16: Place the sliced cabbage in a bowl and stir in the balsamic vinegar, salt and the pepper; using your hands to knead well to soften them up.
17. 17Step 17: If you have time, cover and keep this marinated cabbage in the fridge for a few hours before serving, for all the flavors to blend in.
18. 18Step 18: Place the grated carrots in a bowl and drizzle 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and the lemon juice over.
19. 19Step 19: Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
20. 20Step 20: Place the dressed carrots and the cabbage side by side on a serving dish.
21. 21Step 21: Add the sliced cucumbers and drizzle the remaining olive oil over the cabbage and cucumbers.
22. 22Step 22: Serve the salad with your meatballs or grilled fish or vegetables.