Turkish Kofte

🥘 Ingredients

• breadcrumbs 150 g
• baking soda 1 tsp
• fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp
• ground beef 1 kg
• black pepper 1 tsp
• salt 1 ½ tsp
• ?paprika 1 tsp
• ?cumin 1 tsp
• onion 1 large
• tomato paste
• pepper paste
• olive oil
• garlic
• potatoes

1. 1

   Process stale bread into fine crumbs or use store-bought breadcrumbs .
2. 2

   Mix the baking soda with fresh lemon juice in a small bowl . Let it activate and foam up.
3. 3

   In a large bowl , combine ground beef , breadcrumbs, baking soda mixture, black pepper , and salt .
4. 4

   Optionally add ?paprika and ?cumin .
5. 5

   Knead everything together for 4-5 minutes until well combined.
6. 6

   Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight for the best texture and taste, or let it rest for at least 2 hours if short on time.
7. 7

   Add onion to the mixture the next day and knead again, using water to prevent sticking.
8. 8

   Shape the köfte into small oval or round patties.

Grilling or Pan-Frying

1. 1

   To grill or pan-fry, heat a cast iron griddle or a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, and cook the köfte for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned.

Baking

1. 1

   Sauté tomato paste and pepper paste in olive oil , add garlic , spices, and a little water.
2. 2

   Slice potatoes and layer in a baking dish with köfte.
3. 3

   Pour the tomato sauce over the top, cover with baking paper and foil , and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered.