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.

Persian Turkey Kofta Kebabs

Persian Turkey Kofta Kebabs