Köfte or kofta is the Turkish word for frikadelle or meatballs, which is really the same. In Denmark, we called the fried meatballs frikadelle and it is cooked the same way as the English meatballs. By rules of associativity, Köfte is the Turkish version for meatballs.
The difference between a Turkish meatball and a Danish meatball is first and foremost the form, in which the Turkish is a little more elongated than the Danish. Moreover, the Turkish is made of minced beef, whereas the Danish version is made of pork or mixed pork and calf. The Turkish meatball contains garlic and green and a little more spices and an equal salt, however the Danish meatballs usually contains onions and usually no other spices than salt and pepper.
Kofta – recipe
Here you will get my recipe for Turkish meatballs. The meatballs are even gluten-free and lactose-free.
Ingredients
Servings: 8-10 pcs.
- 50-75 g of broad-leaved parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 500 g minced beef – preferably not too fat
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons corn grit or flour
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- Oil for frying
- Salt
Here’s how you do it
- Rinse and chop the broad-leaved parsley, peel the garlic cloves, and chop them nicely or press them.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly together into a bowl.
- Form the ball, push them a little flat and put them in the oiled pan. They must be cooked for about 4-5 minutes on each side – depending on size.
- Kofta tastes good with tzatziki or tomato sauce and a salad – for example chickpeas salad or raw potatoes.
Tip: If you don’t have a corn grit or flour, you can use rasp as a substitute.
Are meatballs a Danish invention?
Even though we see Danish fries as a Danish invention, however it not the case for Danish meatballs. You can get fried meatballs in many other countries not just Turkey. Like for example is in South and Central Asia and Middle East. The Balkans has also their own version which is called cardigan, which is also roasted. In Greece, you’ll find keftos which is also a variety of this dish. So, is this dish a Danish invention? Not quite.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
If you have good suggestions for the dish, or you have found another variation, please comment below.
Based on 5 Review(s)
