Greek Kofta Kebabs

This can be a Greek lamb kofta kebab recipe made utilizing a particular spice mix recipe given to me by the proprietor of Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork, a very fashionable Greek gyros store in Melbourne, Australia. It’s easy, however distinctive and actually, actually good!

At the moment’s recipe is the results of in search of one thing a little bit totally different to make with a packet of lamb mince. And wow, it’s good! It isn’t a strictly genuine model of Greek Kofta Kebabs, however it comes from a really properly revered Greek supply. Particularly, a gyros store in Melbourne known as Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork primarily based within the coronary heart of the Greek neighborhood in Oakleigh.

To chop an extended story brief, I used to be doing a narrative on Kalimera for Good Meals and managed to persuade the proprietor, Thomas Deliopoulos into sharing this gyros marinade recipe with me. He’s Greek, in case you didn’t guess (😅) and he’s a chef by background.

Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork in Oakleigh, Melbourne

I didn’t realise it on the time, however Kalimera has a cult following, with the likes of Ben Shewry (one in every of Australia’s most revered advantageous eating cooks) and New York Occasions’ Sam Sifton raving about it.

It additionally has me raving, and in the future I’ll share his gyros recipe right here on my web site too. Till then, you could find it on Good Meals right here and in the present day we’re utilizing the the Kalimera secret gryos spice combine to make outrageously scrumptious lamb kofta kebabs!

Components in Greek Kofta Kebabs

Right here’s what it’s essential to make these Greek Kofta Kebabs.

For the kofta kebabs

As famous above, the spice combine used for the Koftas relies on the rooster gyros recipe from Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork, tweaked to make it extra appropriate for lamb which has a stronger flavour than rooster. It’s a particular mix with a mix of spices I by no means would have thought to make use of for a Greek flavoured dish. However wow, it’s one thing particular!

Skewers – Get shortish ones that may match within the pan on the range. I exploit 18cm / 7″ ones. Should you’re planning to prepare dinner these on the BBQ, a) I’m free to affix; and b) soak the skewers in water for half-hour earlier than utilizing (so that they don’t burn).
Lamb mince – The spice combine is designed to go with lamb which has a stronger flavour than different proteins. And lamb is on level for Greek meals! Nevertheless, I’ve tried it with beef too and it’s terrific. I feel it’s too robust for rooster, turkey and pork.
Garlic – 3 massive plump cloves. The Greek love garlic – and so do I!
Dried oregano – The Greek additionally love dried oregano, so we’re utilizing rather a lot. 4 1/2 teaspoons, to be actual! The mix of loads of dried oregano and garlic is a never-fail traditional Greek mixture.
Paprika and mustard powder – These add heat and earthy flavour. I simply use common paprika (candy paprika) although smoked paprika would even be pretty, I feel.
Curry powder – The key ingredient that provides layers of flavour and a beautiful heat color to the combination. We solely use 1 1/2 teaspoons, simply sufficient so as to add a touch of flavour however not sufficient to make it style like curry. I exploit gentle however be at liberty to make use of scorching in order for you it spicy! Any common model of curry powder is ok, I exploit Keens or Clives of India (frequent grocery retailer manufacturers in Australia).
Salt and pepper – For seasoning.

Secret sauce for Greek lamb kofta kebabs — Copycat of Kalimera’s secret sauce

Making Greek lamb kofta kebabs — Copycat of Kalimera’s secret sauce

kalimera’s secret sauce

The proprietor of Kalimera didn’t reveal the precise recipe for his secret sauce. However he did speak via what was in it, so my brother and I got here up with a copycat ourselves. I’ve to say, I feel it’s fairly related! You’ll be rummaging round to seek out something to dip into it – veggie sticks, crackers, chips!

Greek yogurt or Greek-style yogurt – Plain, unsweetened.
Mayonnaise – preferable complete egg, which has a smoother flavour than non-whole-egg mayonnaise.
Additional virgin olive oil – For a bit of additional richness and flavour.
American yellow mustard – sure, the brilliant yellow American stuff! One other secret ingredient I by no means would have considered and may look misplaced in a Greek sauce, however the presence of which is validated realizing that Kalimera makes use of it. 😃 Completely works right here for flavour and including heat color to the sauce.
Spices – garlic powder, paprika (candy/common, not smoked or spicy) and salt

bready greek pita bread

And right here’s the pita bread I used to make these massive cosy overstuffed wraps you see on this publish:

Greek pita breads are thicker and breadier than flatbreads that are extra pliable so you can also make wraps ie you wrap the bread fully across the filling. I’m utilizing a model known as Golden High Bakery (image above) which is widespread with Greek meals retailers and eating places throughout Sydney. The packet is labelled “souvlaki bread” and is about 6mm/ 0.25″ thick. To not be confused with one other product they promote labelled as “pitta bread” which is a thinner flatbread that’s not as bready (~4mm / 1/6″ thick), although this this could be advantageous to make use of too.

No matter you utilize, heat it up! It’s a lot nicer. Additionally for pita bread, it’s important so the bread doesn’t break once you fold it. I’ve popped instructions for reheating within the recipe card.

the vegtables

Right here’s what I used for the greens – tomato, lettuce and pink onion. Traditional choices provided at souvlaki retailers in Australia. Although really, in Greece, it’s frequent to bypass recent veg and stuff with scorching chips as an alternative! Carb on carb perfection.😊 (However for the sake of constructing this a wise dinner choice, I’m choice for some greens as an alternative).

Tips on how to make Greek Kofta Kebabs

You would skip the skewering to save lots of time. However for a little bit Greek spirit, it’s well worth the effort!

1. Sauce first

Make the sauce first, so the flavours have an opportunity to meld whilst you make the koftas. Simply combine the components up then put aside on the counter.

2. MAKE THE Kofta kebabs

Good rule of thumb so that you don’t over work the meat and make your koftas powerful – cease as soon as the spices are blended via the meat.

Combine all of the kofta components in a bowl utilizing your fingers. Sure, you’ve gotta get in there and get your fingers soiled, there’s no different manner! Simply combine till the spices are evenly dispersed all through. I exploit a type of scrunching movement with my fingers, I discover that’s the best.
The soiled fingers in query, laborious at work! 🙂

Form – Portion into 8 then squeeze/roll into logs about 13cm/5″ lengthy. Thread onto skewers then flatten to 1.25cm / 0.5″ thick so you could have a pleasant floor space that may be cooked into a beautiful golden crust extra simply than cylindrical logs. In addition they prepare dinner quicker and extra evenly.
Cook dinner – Warmth oil in a non stick pan over medium excessive warmth, or on a BBQ for a extra genuine expertise. Cook dinner half the koftas for two minutes on either side, then simply 30 seconds on the skinny edges simply to get a little bit of color on them. Decrease the warmth if they’re browning too shortly. Due to the spices, they’ll prepare dinner up a wonderful deep golden brown color for those who management the warmth correctly. If not, they’ll burn!!

Take away cooked koftas onto a plate then prepare dinner the second batch. You received’t want extra oil since you’ll get fats out of the lamb.

3. SERVING AND ASSEMBLING

Serving – To serve, pile the koftas on a platter with the lettuce, tomato, onion, sauce and warmed breads on the aspect. Let all people assist themselves!
Making kofta kebab wraps – That is how I make the wraps. There’s a really particular order! Firstly, unfold sauce down the center of the pita bread / flatbread. High with lettuce – the sauce will glue it in place. Then place 2 koftas on prime (take away the skewers). Effectively, I’m grasping so I exploit 2. Should you’re not, you should use 1.

Place tomato on the aspect, sprinkle with onion then dollop with extra sauce. Fold (or roll to surround, if utilizing flatbreads). Then chunk! It’s so satisfying. 🙂

I really like meals which are assemble-yourself conditions, so this one charges extremely in my books. Much less work for me! If I’ve greater than 8 individuals over for a lunch or dinner, I can just about assure will probably be a DIY association reasonably than à la carte. Who has the time to plate up and serve 8 individuals? Not me! Put your individual meal collectively! 😂

It’s additionally interesting that that is glorious cooked on the barbecue, making it superb for out of doors gatherings throughout hotter months. And the odor when these koftas are cooking is phenomenal!

Leftovers hold properly, so don’t be afraid to err on the aspect of warning and scale up. Make bowls for lunch tomorrow, then Greek “tacos” for dinner the night time after. Or chop them into chunk dimension items, and toss into your morning omelette as I did. – Nagi x

PS Should you’re after a conventional Greek lamb mince kofta recipe, I recommend utilizing this one from the web site My Greek Dish which is a good useful resource for genuine Greek recipes. The spicing consists of cinnamon so there are similarities to Center Japanese lamb koftas.

Watch tips on how to make it

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Greek Kofta Kebabs – RecipeTin Eats

Greek Kofta Kebabs