Welcome to The Storied Recipe Podcast, a podcast about food, culture, and love.

As you explore the vast and delicious variety of Kofta recipes around the world, make sure you listen to Nazli's episode on the significance of Lamb Kofta to Persian culture!

A silver platter piled high with Persian Koftas topped with tzatziki, herbs, and mint

What Is Kofta?

Kofta is more of a category or a family than a single recipe. In fact, Kofta is a beloved dish in Middle Eastern, Persian, Mediterranean, Balkan, Central and South Asian cultures, which hundreds of varieties globally.

All traditional Kofta recipes, from the loaf to meatball to kebab varieties, have a few things in common: Ground or minced meat is mixed with a combination of spices, then shaped and cooked. Kofta can take many shapes, from small meatloaves to balls, football shapes, flattened rectangles threaded on a metal skewer, and more. The meat, spice, and herb combination is either cooked hot grill or simmered in an earthen pot, nestled among a sauce or curry. However you mix, shape, or cook the meat - The result is a juicy, satisfying bite absolutely exploding with delicious flavor.

What does "Kofta" mean?

The word "kofta" comes from a Persian word in Farsi, meaning "to grind" or "to pound", which refers to the traditional way of preparing the meat, onions, and spices. These days, of course, you can use a food processor (if you have one). 😉

flatlay of lamb kofte with walnuts on top

How to Use This List

The variety of kofta options can be overwhelming - or just plain EXCITING!!!
If you're looking for a specific version that you've tried before, it might help you to know that the list of Kofta recipes is divided among regions, and then narrowed down into countries. (Plus, there are a few non-traditional recipes at the end.)
If you're not looking for a specific recipe, then simply choose and enjoy a new recipe - and another, and another! I'm still working my way through all of these. One thing I can say - I haven't found one yet that I don't love! With every recipe you try, you'll gain more instincts and ideas, and soon be able to make your own version of kofta with whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Each recipe is formatted as the title of the recipe, followed by a "|" symbol and then the blog or person who it is from.

Listen: Memories of Lamb Kofta in Iran

Along with discussing the rich history of Persian Kofta, Nazli Bashi discusses a wartime childhood, the beauty of the Iranian landscape, and ancient Persian culture.

nazli bashi for the storied recipe podcast

Follow The Storied Recipe in Your Favorite Player

platter of lamb kofta on tray surrounded by yoghurt sauce, lemon tahini sauce, middle eastern potato salad, sumac onions, tabbouleh, and turkish pide

Here we go!! Traditional Kofta Varieties Around the World

Your best authentic kofta kebab recipe is waiting here for you!

Persian / Iranian Kofta

These meatball style Kofta from Tabriz are famous the world over for their size, as well as their flavor. Nazli's authentic recipe includes yellow lentils and rice and are cooked in a turmeric flavored tomato sauce. Serve with a salad of fresh parsley, mint, and other herbs.

Kofteh Tabrizi: Persian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce | The Storied Recipe

Koofteh Tabrizi (aka Lamb Kofta) are flavorful "Persian Meatballs" made from lamb, spices, lentils & rice, stuffed, and cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Middle Eastern Kofta

My introduction to kofta definitely came through Middle Eastern recipes, and they're some of the best around!!

Lebanese Beef Kafta Kebabs | Maureen Abood

Lebanese beef Kafta is like a meatball, flavored with onion and spices, formed on a skewer, then grilled.

(Egyptian) Kofta | Amira's Pantry

Kofta kebab is a super flavorful Middle Eastern ground meat dish. A kid friendly recipe that can be grilled or oven baked.

Iraqi Kebabs | Kravings Food Adventures

I love any kind of Arabic kebabs. Growing up in the Middle East, I am no stranger to all kinds of Arabian delights. We lived across the street from an Automatic Restaurant a chain of restaurants popular all over Abu Dhabi & Dubai)…

Also try:

Syrian Lamb Koftas (Lahme bi Sayniyi) in Tahini Sauce from Kavey Eats These koftas are made with parsley, coriander, allspice, and paprika. They're cooked twice after being smothered with a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, tahini, lemon, and pomegranate molasses.
Palestinian Kofta from Fufu's Kitchen

Turkish Kofta

I had to give Turkish Kofta its own category because this one country boasts so many diverse varieties, including Şiş Köfte (grilled on skewers), İzmir Köfte (with potatoes and tomatoes), and İçli Köfte (bulgur-covered meatballs).

Şiş Köfte (Oven Baked Shish Meatballs and Potatoes) | Nefis Yemek Tarifleri

Fırında Çöp Şiş Köfte Ve Patates Tarifi nasıl yapılır? On binlerce kişinin defterindeki bu tarifin detaylı anlatımı ve deneyenlerin fotoğrafları burada.

İzmir köfte (Baked Turkish meatballs with vegetables) | Vidar Bergum

Simple and delicious Turkish meatballs with vegetables, baked in the oven. No wonder Izmir köfte is such a popular home cooked dish!

İçli Köfte Tarifi (Stuffed Meatballs) | Nefis Yemek Tarifleri

İçli Köfte Tarifi nasıl yapılır? On binlerce kişinin defterindeki İçli Köfte Tarifi'nin detaylı anlatımı ve deneyenlerin fotoğrafları burada.

South Asian Kofta Recipes

South Asian Kofta is generally cooked differently from other koftas. Rather than being grilled, many South Asian recipes call for slowly cooking the kofta in a sauce made from a variety of spices.

Pakistani Beef Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry) | Tea For Tumeric

This Pakistani Beef Kofta Curry has all the authentic flavor of old-fashioned kofte but it's made in an easier, more approachable way.

Malai Kofta (Paneer Kofta Curry) | Swasthi's Recipes

Malai kofta recipe - Make the best restaurant style malai paneer kofta in delicious and creamy gravy. Serve it with rice, naan or roti.

Vegan Malai Kofta: Indian Dumplings in Curry Tomato Cream Sauce | The Curious Chickpea

Vegan malai kofta is a delicious Indian dish. Crispy potato and tofu-ricotta dumplings are served with a flavorful curried tomato cream sauce.

Nargisi Kofta Curry - Spicy Scotched Egg Curry | Archana's Kitchen

Nargisi Kofta is an another rich exotic mughlai recipe, a combination dish of mutton keema and boiled eggs. Marinated mutton keema wrapped on hard boil eggs and braised into spicy rich yogurt gravy is called Nargisi Kofta curry.

Lauki Kofta (Lauki ke Kofte) | Veg Recipes of India

This Lauki Kofta curry has bottle gourd kofta dunked in a delicious, spiced tomato-based gravy. This Lauki ke Kofte recipe is vegan too.

Shami Kabab Recipe (Vegetarian) | Veg Recipes of India

Vegetarian Shami Kebab are crispy, succulent and tasty kebab made with cooked black chickpeas, herbs, spices and seasonings.

Meatball and Sauce Recipe - Afghan Style | Afgan Cooks

This meatball and sauce recipe is done Afghan style. I use a mixture of ground beef and ground turkey to make it slightly healthier.

Also try:

Uzbek Kofta: Grilled and served with fresh vegetables and naan. This recipe includes a shredded potato - and if you're a visual learner, this YouTube channel is the perfect way to go!

European Kofta

Mediterranean Region

Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes) | The Mediterranean Dish

Not your average meatballs! Greek meatballs (keftedes) are pan-fried until crispy and then finished in a light and bright lemon sauce.

Giaourtlou Kebab | Kalofagas

Giaourtlou Kebab

Serbian Kofta (Ćevapi or Ćevapčići) | Johan Johansen

How to make homemade Cevapi - Get the perfect recipe for this Balkan Street Food Favorite along with its history, tips and more.

Cevapi or Cevapcici – Croatian Sausages | Where Is My Spoon

Cevapcici or cevapi, delicious grilled Croatian sausages with lots of garlic and paprika. They are easy homemade sausages, Balkan-style.

Kefta dyal Gharb - Traditional Moroccan Recipe | Taste of Maroc

A family recipe which evokes memories of the outstanding kefta in Morocco's El Gharb region. Ground lamb is mixed with suet, spices and herbs then grilled.

Also try:

Tunisian Kofta with Honey, Lemon, Ginger, and Spice from Middle Eastern Kitchen
Tunisian Kofta contains the most unique flavors on this list - a sweet and spicy mix you'll go back to again and again.

Other Varieties

Armenian Kofta Kebab | Bon Appeteach

This Armenian kofta kebab recipe is a flavor-packed Middle Eastern dish filled with bold, savory flavors and perfectly grilled.

Sheftalia (Cypriot Crepinettes) | Kopiaste

Sheftalia singular Sheftali, are Cypriot oval shaped crépinettes, made with minced pork, herbs and spices which are then wrapped in caul fat and barbecued.

Chickpea Kofta Tacos (Vegan) | Earth Chick

These vegan chickpea koftas are so soft and delicious. My fave way to have them is on corn tortillas but you can have them on their own as a canape!

Also try:

Quick Baked Kofta from Fufu's Kitchen - Use a baking sheet and some pantry staples to make this quick and easy Kofta in 30 minutes! Again, from a wonderful Palestinian blogger, Fufu's Kitchen.

What to Serve with Kofta

There are countless ways from many different countries to make this versatile dish which means there are equally as many side dishes to serve with Koftas.

Some ideas for side dishes include warm Pita, Rice Pilaf, Shirazi Salad, Tzatziki sauce, Torshi, and Baba Ganoush. For a full list of what to serve with lamb kofta, from Middle Eastern food, Indian/Pakistani side dishes, and Mediterranean/Balkan salads and more, check out my recipe round-up What To Serve With Lamb Koftas below!

What to Serve with Lamb Koftas: 47 Recipes

Traditionally, how is Kofta cooked?

There are a variety of ways to cook Koftas. Traditionally, Kofta has been cooked using a variety of vessels and grills, depending on the region and culinary customs. Here are some traditional methods and tools used to cook kofta based on the region:

Middle Eastern Kofta

Grills (Mangals): In countries like Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, kofta is often grilled on open flame grills called mangals. This method imparts a smoky flavor to the meat.
Clay Ovens (Tandoors): In some Middle Eastern regions, tandoors are used to cook kofta, providing a high heat and smoky flavor similar to grilling.
Skewers (Shish or Seekh): Kofta is commonly threaded onto metal or wooden skewers before being grilled or cooked over open flames.

South Asian Kofta

Tandoor: In India and Pakistan, tandoors are traditionally used to cook meat dishes, including some varieties of kofta.
Kadhai or Karahi: A deep, circular, and heavy-bottomed pot used extensively in South Asia for deep frying or cooking kofta in gravy.
Degchi: A traditional deep cooking pot with a rounded bottom, used for slow-cooking dishes like kofta in a rich, spicy curry.

Central Asian Kofta

Kazans: Large, heavy-bottomed pots used in Central Asian cuisine, ideal for cooking meat dishes, including kofta.
Open Flame Grills: Similar to Middle Eastern practices, kofta in Central Asia is often cooked on open flame grills.

European Kofta

Charcoal Grills: In the Balkans, kofta such as ćevapi is traditionally cooked on charcoal grills to enhance the flavor.
Frying Pans and Skillets: Greek keftedes are typically fried in pans or skillets, giving them a crispy exterior.

North African Kofta

Tagines: In Morocco, kofta may be cooked in tagines, which are earthenware pots with conical lids. This method allows slow cooking with moisture retention.
Charcoal Grills: Like many Mediterranean regions, Moroccan kofta is often grilled over charcoal.

Other Varieties

Clay or Metal Pots: In Armenia and Cyprus, kofta might be cooked in traditional clay or metal pots, either baked or cooked over an open flame.
Ovens: Modern adaptations often use conventional ovens for baking kofta, providing a controlled cooking environment. Traditionally, kofta has been cooked using a variety of vessels and grills, depending on the region and culinary customs. Here are some traditional methods and tools used to cook kofta:

More Lists for Inspiration

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Comments

Would love to hear from you! Cancel reply

Gwen says

February 26, 2024 at 12:02 am

You skipped over Armenian kufta (stuffed meatballs) -- shell is fine bulgur, ground lamb, chopped onion and parsley, with coriander mixture; filling is sauteed lamb, onions, roasted pine nuts with allspice, cinnamon and coriander spices. Baked or cooked in broth on stovetop until they pop up from the broth.

- admin says
  
  February 26, 2024 at 7:26 am
  
  Oh thanks! I'll definitely add that in!! Do you have a link to a recipe you particularly like? Thanks again, Gwen!

What Is Kofta?

What does "Kofta" mean?

How to Use This List

Listen: Memories of Lamb Kofta in Iran

Follow The Storied Recipe in Your Favorite Player