Köfte are a street-food favorite in the Middle East. The warm, irresistible flavor of this version comes from a combination of allspice, cinnamon, clove, and Aleppo pepper, a Syrian chile with a mild kick.
Köfte can be broiled in batches on an oiled broiler pan 3 to 4 inches from heat, rotating a quarter turn occasionally, until just cooked through, about 8 minutes total.
Recipe information
Total Time
1 hr
Yield
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
Equipment:
Accompaniments:
Preparation
Step 1
Soak bread in water to cover 30 minutes, then squeeze gently to remove as much water as possible.
Step 2
Pulse onion in a food processor until finely chopped. Add parsley and pulse to finely chop. Add lamb, bread, spices, and 1 tsp salt and pulse until combined.
Step 3
Divide mixture into 20 portions (about 1/4 cup each), forming each into a ball. Roll each ball into a 5-inch-long "cigar." Slide a skewer lengthwise through center of each.
Step 4
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas).
Step 5
Oil grill rack, then grill köfte, covered only if using a gas grill, rotating a quarter turn occasionally, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes total.
