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Persian Turkey Kofta Kebabs

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If you’re looking for something different to make at your next BBQ, give these Middle Eastern inspired turkey kofta kebabs a try!

If you're looking for something different to make at your next BBQ, give these Middle Eastern inspired turkey kebabs a try! A cross between a grilled meatball and a hamburger on a stick. You can skip the stick if you wish or even cook them in a skillet, but with Memorial Day around the corner, I thought these would be fun!Persian Turkey Kofta Kebabs

With Memorial Day around the corner, I thought these would be fun! A cross between a grilled meatball and a hamburger on a stick. You can skip the stick if you wish or even cook them in a skillet.

My Persian neighbor introduced me to kofta a few years ago. He often has backyard parties complete with Persian music, family and plenty of food. His were made of beef and I never actually got his recipe. BUT I’m pretty good at replicating flavors and these came pretty darn close. And of course using turkey instead of beef makes these a lot lighter.

Serve them as an appetizer or main dish. I served them with a simple cucumber-tomato salad and cucumber yogurt dipping sauce but you can also serve it on a pita, over rice pilaf or even with tabouleh.

There are so many variations of Kofta throughout the Middle East, each country has a unique recipe which may include beef, goat, chicken or fish and each is flavored with their own unique spices. What is your favorite?
For best results prepare the meat ahead and refrigerate to allow the flavors to blend, this also helps the meat stay together when you grill it. I chopped my onions, garlic and parsley in my mini food processor for quick prep.

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Persian Turkey Kofta Kebabs

4.78 from 9 votes
6
Cals:185.5
Protein:23
Carbs:5
Fat:8.5
If you're looking for something different to make at your next BBQ, give these Middle Eastern inspired turkey kebabs a try! A cross between a grilled meatball and a hamburger on a stick. You can skip the stick if you wish or even cook them in a skillet, but with Memorial Day around the corner, I thought these would be fun!
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
If you're looking for something different to make at your next BBQ, give these Middle Eastern inspired turkey kebabs a try! A cross between a grilled meatball and a hamburger on a stick. You can skip the stick if you wish or even cook them in a skillet, but with Memorial Day around the corner, I thought these would be fun!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 3 kebabs

Ingredients

  • 20 oz 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic. minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp bread crumbs
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • salt and fresh pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine the ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, spices, salt and pepper until evenly blended.
  • Divide into a heaping 1/4 cup portions so you get 12; roll into log shaped ovals.
  • Place on a cookie sheet and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak in water at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • When ready to cook, preheat grill to high heat.
  • Carefully insert the skewer through the formed meat.
  • Grill for 15 minutes covered over indirect heat, then finish over a low flame 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until meat is no longer pink.

Last Step:

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Nutrition

Serving: 3 kebabs, Calories: 185.5 kcal, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 23 g, Fat: 8.5 g, Saturated Fat: 2.5 g, Cholesterol: 79 mg, Sodium: 114.5 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0.5 g

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