Healthy, easy, and fresh, turkey kofta are a summer favorite in my family – spiced turkey meatballs tucked into a warm and toasty pita alongside of fresh garden vegetables, creamy hummus, and pickled red onions – what’s not to like?  This is a Americanized version of a Middle Eastern classic.

Ingredients for Turkey Kofta:

• 1 lb. Ground Turkey
• 1/2 cup chopped Parsley
• 1 Onion
• 1 tbsp ground Cumin
• 1 tbsp ground Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• a dash of ground Cayenne Pepper

Directions:

1. In a food processor combine the onions, parsley, and spices.  Blend them until uniformly combined.
2. Add the turkey into the food processor and then continue to pulse until combined.
3. Use your hands to form the turkey mixture into 10 oval shaped kofta.  Traditionally you would then place the kofta onto kababs for grilling.  I have done this in the past with messy and frustrating results.  I have found that it is easier to just place the kofta directly onto the grill and then gently move them around with a fork or tongs.  Your choice, but either way I am getting ahead of myself.
4. Place your kofta in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling.  This will allow for the flavors to meld and there forms to solidify slightly.  I usually prepare my kofta in the morning, and then pull them out later that night for dinner.
5. Grill your kofta.  This can be a little tricky, and does take some practice since the kofta can be fairly delicate.

Serving Kofta:

• This is one of those flexible meals where people can pick and choose how they want to eat their kofta. Serve your kofta in fresh, warm pita with a selection of:
  • fresh Greens
  • slices Tomatoes
  • Cucumber Tzatziki
  • Hummus
  • Pickled Red Onions
  • Olives
  • Spicy Pickled Peppers