Greek Kofta Kebabs – RecipeTin Eats

August 13, 2024

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This can be a Greek lamb kofta kebab recipe 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

Right now’s recipe is the results of on the lookout for one thing just a little completely 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, nevertheless it comes from a really effectively revered Greek supply. Particularly, a gyros store in Melbourne known as Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork primarily based 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 positive 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, you will discover it on Good Meals right here and at this time 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 it’s good to make these Greek Kofta Kebabs.

For the kofta kebabs

As famous above, the spice combine used for the Koftas relies on the hen gyros recipe from Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork, tweaked to make it extra appropriate for lamb which has a stronger flavour than hen. It’s a particular mix with a mix 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 can match within the pan on the range. I exploit 18cm / 7″ ones. In case you’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! Nonetheless, I’ve tried it with beef too and it’s terrific. I feel it’s too robust for hen, 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 mix of loads of dried oregano and garlic is a never-fail basic 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 feel.
Curry powder – The key ingredient that provides layers of flavour and a stunning 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 ok, I exploit Keens or Clives of India (widespread 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 what was in it, so my brother and I got here up with a copycat ourselves. I’ve to say, I feel 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 entire egg, which has a smoother flavour than non-whole-egg mayonnaise.
Additional virgin olive oil – For a bit of additional richness and flavour.
American yellow mustard – sure, the intense 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 figuring out 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 publish:

Greek pita breads are thicker and breadier than flatbreads that are extra pliable so you can also make wraps ie you wrap the bread completely across the filling. I’m utilizing a model known as Golden Prime Bakery (image above) which is in style 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’s not as bready (~4mm / 1/6″ thick), although this this may be positive to make use of too.

No matter you utilize, heat it up! It’s a lot nicer. Additionally for pita bread, it’s important so the bread doesn’t break if 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 pink onion. Basic choices supplied at souvlaki retailers in Australia. Although really, in Greece, it’s widespread to bypass recent veg and stuff with sizzling chips as an alternative! Carb on carb perfection.😊 (However for the sake of creating this a wise dinner choice, I’m choice for some greens as an alternative).

How one can make Greek Kofta Kebabs

You might skip the skewering to avoid wasting time. However for just a little Greek spirit, it’s definitely 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 substances 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 powerful – cease as soon as the spices are blended by the meat.

Combine all of the kofta substances in a bowl utilizing your palms. Sure, you’ve gotta get in there and get your palms soiled, there’s no different means! Simply combine till the spices are evenly dispersed all through. I exploit a form of scrunching movement with my palms, I discover that’s the simplest.
The soiled palms in query, arduous 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 may 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.
Cook dinner – Warmth oil in a non stick pan over medium excessive warmth, or on a BBQ for a extra genuine expertise. Cook dinner half the koftas for two minutes on both sides, 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 shortly. Due to the spices, they’ll prepare dinner up a fantastic deep golden brown color should you management the warmth correctly. If not, they’ll 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 everyone 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. Prime with lettuce – the sauce will glue it in place. Then place 2 koftas on high (take away the skewers). Properly, I’m grasping so I exploit 2. In case you’re not, you should use 1.

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

I really 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 slightly than à la carte. Who has the time to plate up and serve 8 folks? Not me! Put your individual meal collectively! 😂

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

Leftovers maintain effectively, 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 chunk measurement items, and toss into your morning omelette as I did. – Nagi x

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

Watch the right way to make it

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Greek Kofta Kebabs – RecipeTin Eats

Greek Kofta Kebabs