Turkish Lamb Köfte
Found all over Turkey and the Middle East, köfte (KOF-ta) are essentially meatballs, often made from lamb. They’re traditionally served with warm flatbread, raw onions, and plain yogurt, but they're also delicious paired here with a bright, tangy yogurt sauce. The spice mix makes more than you’ll need—use it on beef, pork, and grilled vegetables, or stir it into hummus and other dips. You can make your own pomegranate molasses if you can't find it in stores.
What you will need
1 Tbs. ground cumin
1-1/2 tsp. dried mint
1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. hot paprika
1 tsp. cracked black pepper
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 Tbs. pomegranate molasses; more for serving
2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
1 tsp. ground sumac or 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 lb. ground lamb
1 medium plum tomato, seeded and finely diced
1/4 cup finely grated red onion
1 tsp. pomegranate molasses
1 medium clove garlic, minced
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
8 12-inch flat, wide skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
Vegetable oil, as needed
2 Tbs. pomegranate seeds (optional)
2 Tbs. small fresh mint leaves (optional)
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