As summer starts to creep into the Greek Islands, thoughts automatically turn the Barbecue. Kofta (or 'keftedes') are a traditional Greek dish which are served all year round - similar in taste to a spicy meatball or a homemade burger ... perfect over a charcoal grill!
A firm favourite with adults and children alike, tasty, filling and not expensive to make.
Ingredients:
1kg minced lamb
1 or two onions
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon fresh mint
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions:
Thinly slice the onions and garlic and mix into the meat along with 2 or 3 teaspoons of water. Add all the other ingredients and mix well and let rest in the fridge for 2 hours.
Form into meatball or burger shapes and either fry them or barbecue them ... serve with salad or vegetables of your choice (or even french fries!).
Absolutely perfect served with Tzatziki on the side.
Alternatively, you could make a vegetarian version of the same dish ...
Ingredients:
800gr courgettes (3-4)
500gr boiled potatoes (5-6)
3 eggs
Half a sprig of parsley finely chopped
90 gr flour (1/2 a cup)
1 cup sunflower oil
black pepper and salt
Natural greek yoghurt (or Tzatziki as above) to garnish
Instructions:
Peel the boiled potatoes and mash them. Grate the raw courgettes and add to the potatoes. Mix together with two of the eggs, parsley, black pepper and salt. Form into balls or burgers, brush with the last beaten egg and dip in some flour. Pan fry or barbecue them and serve with the yoghurt.
