Greek Kofta Kebabs – RecipeTin Eats

August 14, 2024

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This can be a Greek lamb kofta kebab made utilizing a particular spice mix recipe given to me by the proprietor of Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork, a very talked-about Greek gyros store in Melbourne, Australia. It’s easy, however distinctive and actually, actually good!

Greek Kofta Kebabs

As we speak’s recipe is the results of in search of one thing a bit of totally different to make with a packet of lamb mince. And wow, it’s good! It isn’t a strictly genuine model of Greek kofta kebabs, however it comes from a really properly revered Greek supply. Particularly, a gyros store in Melbourne referred to as Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork based mostly within the coronary heart of the Greek group in Oakleigh.

To chop a protracted story brief, I used to be doing a narrative on Kalimera for Good Meals and managed to persuade the proprietor, Thomas Deliopoulos, into sharing this gyros marinade recipe with me. He’s Greek, in case you didn’t guess (😅) and he’s a chef by background.

Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork in Oakleigh, Melbourne

I didn’t realise it on the time, however Kalimera has a cult following, with the likes of Ben Shewry (one among Australia’s most revered fantastic eating cooks) and New York Instances’ Sam Sifton raving about it.

It additionally has me raving, and someday I’ll share his gyros recipe right here on my web site too. Till then, yow will discover it on Good Meals right here and immediately we’re utilizing the the Kalimera secret gryos spice combine to make outrageously scrumptious lamb kofta kebabs!

Substances in Greek Kofta Kebabs

Right here’s what you must make these Greek Kofta Kebabs.

For the kofta kebabs

As famous above, the spice combine used for the Koftas is predicated on the rooster gyros recipe from Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork, tweaked to make it extra appropriate for lamb which has a stronger flavour than rooster. It’s a particular mix with a mixture of spices I by no means would have thought to make use of for a Greek flavoured dish. However wow, it’s one thing particular!

Skewers – Get shortish ones that may match within the pan on the range. I exploit 18cm / 7″ ones. For those who’re planning to prepare dinner these on the BBQ, a) I’m free to affix; and b) soak the skewers in water for half-hour earlier than utilizing (so that they don’t burn).
Lamb mince – The spice combine is designed to go with lamb which has a stronger flavour than different proteins. And lamb is on level for Greek meals! Nevertheless, I’ve tried it with beef too and it’s terrific. I believe it’s too sturdy for rooster, turkey and pork.
Garlic – 3 large plump cloves. The Greek love garlic – and so do I!
Dried oregano – The Greek additionally love dried oregano, so we’re utilizing quite a bit. 4 1/2 teaspoons, to be precise! The mixture of loads of dried oregano and garlic is a never-fail traditional Greek mixture.
Paprika and mustard powder – These add heat and earthy flavour. I simply use common paprika (candy paprika) although smoked paprika would even be pretty, I believe.
Curry powder – The key ingredient that provides layers of flavour and a beautiful heat color to the combination. We solely use 1 1/2 teaspoons, simply sufficient so as to add a touch of flavour however not sufficient to make it style like curry. I exploit delicate however be at liberty to make use of sizzling if you’d like it spicy! Any common model of curry powder is okay, I exploit Keens or Clives of India (frequent grocery retailer manufacturers in Australia).
Salt and pepper – For seasoning.

Secret sauce for Greek lamb kofta kebabs — Copycat of Kalimera’s secret sauce

Making Greek lamb kofta kebabs — Copycat of Kalimera’s secret sauce

kalimera’s secret sauce

The proprietor of Kalimera didn’t reveal the precise recipe for his secret sauce. However he did discuss by means of what was in it, so my brother and I got here up with a copycat ourselves. I’ve to say, I believe it’s fairly comparable! You’ll be rummaging round to search out something to dip into it – veggie sticks, crackers, chips!

Greek yogurt or Greek-style yogurt – Plain, unsweetened.
Mayonnaise – preferable complete egg, which has a smoother flavour than non-whole-egg mayonnaise.
Further virgin olive oil – For a bit of additional richness and flavour.
American yellow mustard – sure, the brilliant yellow American stuff! One other secret ingredient I by no means would have considered and would possibly look misplaced in a Greek sauce, however the presence of which is validated understanding that Kalimera makes use of it. 😃 Completely works right here for flavour and including heat color to the sauce.
Spices – garlic powder, paprika (candy/common, not smoked or spicy) and salt

bready greek pita bread

And right here’s the pita bread I used to make these large cosy overstuffed wraps you see on this submit:

Greek pita breads are thicker and breadier than flatbreads that are extra pliable so you can also make wraps ie you wrap the bread fully across the filling. I’m utilizing a model referred to as Golden High Bakery (image above) which is common with Greek meals retailers and eating places throughout Sydney. The packet is labelled “souvlaki bread” and is about 6mm/ 0.25″ thick. To not be confused with one other product they promote labelled as “pitta bread” which is a thinner flatbread that isn’t as bready (~4mm / 1/6″ thick), although this this is able to be fantastic to make use of too.

No matter you employ, heat it up! It’s a lot nicer. Additionally for pita bread, it’s important so the bread doesn’t break once you fold it. I’ve popped instructions for reheating within the recipe card.

the vegtables

Right here’s what I used for the greens – tomato, lettuce and crimson onion. Traditional choices provided at souvlaki retailers in Australia. Although really, in Greece, it’s frequent to bypass recent veg and stuff with sizzling chips as a substitute! Carb on carb perfection.😊 (However for the sake of creating this a smart dinner choice, I’m choice for some greens as a substitute).

The right way to make Greek Kofta Kebabs

You possibly can skip the skewering to avoid wasting time. However for a bit of Greek spirit, it’s well worth the effort!

1. Sauce first

Make the sauce first, so the flavours have an opportunity to meld whilst you make the koftas. Simply combine the components up then put aside on the counter.

2. MAKE THE Kofta kebabs

Good rule of thumb so that you don’t over work the meat and make your koftas robust – cease as soon as the spices are blended by means of the meat.

Combine all of the kofta components in a bowl utilizing your palms. Sure, you’ve gotta get in there and get your palms soiled, there’s no different method! Simply combine till the spices are evenly dispersed all through. I exploit a type of scrunching movement with my palms, I discover that’s the simplest.
The soiled palms in query, laborious at work! 🙂

Form – Portion into 8 then squeeze/roll into logs about 13cm/5″ lengthy. Thread onto skewers then flatten to 1.25cm / 0.5″ thick so you will have a pleasant floor space that may be cooked into a stunning golden crust extra simply than cylindrical logs. In addition they prepare dinner sooner and extra evenly.
Prepare dinner – Warmth oil in a non stick pan over medium excessive warmth, or on a BBQ for a extra genuine expertise. Prepare dinner half the koftas for two minutes on either side, then simply 30 seconds on the skinny edges simply to get a little bit of color on them. Decrease the warmth if they’re browning too rapidly. Due to the spices, they are going to prepare dinner up an attractive deep golden brown color when you management the warmth correctly. If not, they are going to burn!!

Take away cooked koftas onto a plate then prepare dinner the second batch. You gained’t want extra oil since you’ll get fats out of the lamb.

3. SERVING AND ASSEMBLING

Serving – To serve, pile the koftas on a platter with the lettuce, tomato, onion, sauce and warmed breads on the facet. Let all people assist themselves!
Making kofta kebab wraps – That is how I make the wraps. There’s a really particular order! Firstly, unfold sauce down the center of the pita bread / flatbread. High with lettuce – the sauce will glue it in place. Then place 2 koftas on prime (take away the skewers). Effectively, I’m grasping so I exploit 2. For those who’re not, you should utilize 1.

Place tomato on the facet, sprinkle with onion then dollop with extra sauce. Fold (or roll to surround, if utilizing flatbreads). Then chew! It’s so satisfying. 🙂

I like meals which can be assemble-yourself conditions, so this one charges extremely in my books. Much less work for me! If I’ve greater than 8 folks over for a lunch or dinner, I can just about assure it is going to be a DIY association reasonably than à la carte. Who has the time to plate up and serve 8 folks? Not me! Put your personal meal collectively! 😂

It’s additionally interesting that that is wonderful cooked on the barbecue, making it ideally suited for out of doors gatherings throughout hotter months. And the odor when these koftas are cooking is phenomenal!

Leftovers hold properly, so don’t be afraid to err on the facet of warning and scale up. Make bowls for lunch tomorrow, then Greek “tacos” for dinner the evening after. Or chop them into chew measurement items, and toss into your morning omelette as I did. – Nagi x

PS For those who’re after a conventional Greek lamb mince kofta recipe, I counsel utilizing this one from the web site My Greek Dish which is a superb useful resource for genuine Greek recipes. The spicing consists of cinnamon so there are similarities to Center Jap lamb koftas.

Watch make it

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Greek Kofta Kebabs – RecipeTin Eats

Greek Kofta Kebabs