What is Kofta? 27 Worldwide Kofta Recipes To Make At Home

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!

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). 😉 

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 region, 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!

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. 

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Here we go!! Traditional Kofta Varieties Around the World

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

Persian / Iranian Kofta

Kufteh or Koofteh Tabrizi: 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.

Middle Eastern Kofta

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

• Maureen's Lebanese Kofta: Key ingredients in Maureen's family recipe are onion, parsley, and the famous Lebanese 7 spice mix. This recipe includes instructions for the typical charcoal grilling plus grilling, pan-frying, or baking.
• Amira's Egyptian Kofta: Amira's secret family recipe!! Authentic, delicious kofta kebabs - and the tips and tricks that have passed down through Amira's family.
• These Iraqi Lamb Kebabs from Kravings Food Adventure are shaped like thin cigars. They include turmeric and are sprinkled with sumac, a popular deep red spice with a somewhat fruity flavor. Watch the YouTube video for a few great tips!!.
• 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). 

• Recipe Link for Şiş Köfte
• Recipe Link for İzmir Köfte
• Recipe Link for İçli Köfte

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 Kofta from Tea for Tumeric: Izzah's easy approach features a beef kofta and includes classic South Asian spices like fresh ginger and garam masala.
• Malai Kofta (Vegetarian) from Indian Healthy Recipes: Vegetarian balls made with paneer and potato in a cream-based gravy. I find that Swasthi never goes wrong (her Palak Paneer recipe is my go-to also) and this recipe has been shared over 12,000 times!!
• Vegan Malai Kofta from The Curious Chickpea is made with tofu, potatoes, and cornstarch.
• Nargisi Kofta with Spicy Scotch Eggs from Archana's Kitchen: Hard-boiled eggs encased in spiced meat with a spicy, gingery, creamy sauce. Again, this is a proven recipe with over 15,000 reviews!
• Lauki Kofta (Vegetarian) from Veg Recipes of India: Made from grated bottle gourd in a gorgeous, golden tomato-based gravy.
• Vegetarian Shami Kofta Kabab from Veg Recipes of India: Made with lentils and vegetables.

Central Asian Kofta

• Afghan Kofta: Ground meat with onions and spices in a tomato-based sauce. I'm fascinated by the addition of dill to Mirriam's family recipe!
• 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 Keftedes: Fried meatballs with herbs and spices, served with tzatziki. Suzy at The Mediterranean Dish never fails!
• Greek Giaourtlou Kebab - Koftas smothered in the most tantalizing white and red sauces on Greek bread!!
• Serbian Kofta (Ćevapi or Ćevapčići): This one's made of the most simple pantry staple ingredients.
• Croatian Kofta - Sausages with lots of garlic and paprika! Croatia is on my short list of places to visit soon - this recipe will hold me over until then!!

North African Kofta

• Moroccan Kofta Kefta dyal Gharb: Spiced ground beef or lamb, often cooked with tomatoes.
• The Moroccan city of Khemisset is considered to be the Moroccan capital of Kefta! This high-end recipe includes suet as well as mint, marjoram, and coriander This high-end and elevated recipe includes suet as well as mint, marjoram, and coriander This recipe from Taste of Maroc includes that essential Moroccan spice blend, ras el hanout, and shares a link to Moroccan bread as well!
• 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 (Kufta): Ground beef or lamb, often with bulgur or rice and spices. This recipe from BonAppeTeach (clever, right?) includes red wine, which I've never seen in another kofta recipe, and aleppo pepper, which never fails!
• Cypriot Sheftalia: Minced pork or lamb, wrapped in caul fat, and grilled. Ivy at Kopiaste (the Greek word for Welcome) will tell you what caul fat is (and show you a couple of pictures, too!) if you link through to her recipe for Cypriot Sheftalia!

Modern Variations of Kofta 

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. 

Vegan Chickpea Kofta Tacos: Using chickpeas, herbs, and spices.

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!

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

1. 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.
2. Clay Ovens (Tandoors): In some Middle Eastern regions, tandoors are used to cook kofta, providing a high heat and smoky flavor similar to grilling.
3. Skewers (Shish or Seekh): Kofta is commonly threaded onto metal or wooden skewers before being grilled or cooked over open flames.

South Asian Kofta

1. Tandoor: In India and Pakistan, tandoors are traditionally used to cook meat dishes, including some varieties of kofta.
2. Kadhai or Karahi: A deep, circular, and heavy-bottomed pot used extensively in South Asia for deep frying or cooking kofta in gravy.
3. 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

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

European Kofta

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

North African Kofta

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

Other Varieties

1. 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.
2. 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

27 Best Kofta Recipes from Around the World: How to Make at Home

Recipe by Guest of The Storied Recipe Podcast

What is Kofta? Depends on the country! These are the 27 best kofta recipes from all around the world - all of which you can make at home!!!

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Ingredients

• Kufteh or Koofteh Tabrizi from Nazli, Guest of The Storied Recipe

• Lebanese Grilled Kafta from Maureen Abood

• Egyptian Kofta from Amira's Pantry

• Iraqi Lamb Kebabs from Kravings Food Adventure

• Syrian Lamb Koftas (Lahme bi Sayniyi) in Tahini Sauce from Kavey Eats

• Palestinian Kofta from Fufu's Kitchen

• Şiş Köfte and Potatoes from Nefis Yemek Tarifleri

• İzmir Köfte (Turkish Meatballs) from Vidar Bergum

• İçli Köfte from Nefis Yemek Tarifleri

• Pakistani Beef Kofta from Tea For Tumeric

• Malai Kofta (Vegetarian) from Indian Healthy Recipes

• Vegan Malai Kofta from The Curious Chickpea

• Nargisi Kofta Curry with Spicy Scotch Eggs from Archana's Kitchen

• Lauki Kofta (Vegetarian) from Veg Recipes of India

• Vegetarian Shami Kofta Kabab from Veg Recipes of India

• Afghan Kofta from Afghan Cooks

• Uzbek Kofta from Outdoor Flame on YouTube

• Greek Keftedes from The Mediterranean Dish

• Greek Giaourtlou Kebab from Kalofagas

• Serbian Kofta (Ćevapi or Ćevapčići) from All Recipes

• Croatian Kofta from Where Is My Spoon

• Moroccan Kofta Kefta dyal Gharb from Taste of Maroc

• Tunisian Kofta with Honey, Lemon, Ginger, and Spice from Middle East Kitchen

• Armenian Kofta (Kufta) from Bon Appeteach

• Cypriot Sheftalia from Kopiaste

• Quick Baked Kofta from Fufu's Kitchen

• Vegan Chickpea Kofta Tacos from Earth Chick

Directions

• Make sure you listen to Nazli's episode, A Primer in Persian Culture, while you try out these Kofta recipes!

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