Greek Kofta Kebabs

This can be a Greek lamb kofta kebab 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 this time’s recipe is the results of on the lookout for one thing somewhat completely 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, but it surely comes from a really effectively revered Greek supply. Particularly, a gyros store in Melbourne known as Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork primarily based within the coronary heart of the Greek group in Oakleigh.

To chop a protracted story quick, 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 among Australia’s most revered high-quality eating cooks) and New York Occasions’ Sam Sifton raving about it.

It additionally has me raving, and sooner or later I’ll share his gyros recipe right here on my web site too. Till then, you’ll 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!

Elements in Greek Kofta Kebabs

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

For the kofta kebabs

As famous above, the spice combine used for the Koftas is predicated on the hen gyros recipe from Kalimera Souvlaki Artwork, tweaked to make it extra appropriate for lamb which has a stronger flavour than hen. It’s a particular mix with a mixture 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 can match within the pan on the range. I exploit 18cm / 7″ ones. If you happen to’re planning to cook dinner these on the BBQ, a) I’m free to hitch; 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 hen, 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 quite a bit. 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 beautiful, 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 delicate however be at liberty to make use of sizzling in order for you it spicy! Any common model of curry powder is ok, I exploit Keens or Clives of India (widespread 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 by way of 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 search 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.
Further virgin olive oil – For a bit of additional richness and flavour.
American yellow mustard – sure, the intense 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 put up:

Greek pita breads are thicker and breadier than flatbreads that are extra pliable so you may make wraps ie you wrap the bread completely across the filling. I’m utilizing a model known as Golden Prime Bakery (image above) which is in style 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 high-quality 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 while 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 crimson onion. Basic choices supplied at souvlaki retailers in Australia. Although truly, in Greece, it’s widespread to bypass contemporary veg and stuff with sizzling chips as an alternative! Carb on carb perfection.😊 (However for the sake of creating this a smart dinner choice, I’m choice for some greens as an alternative).

make Greek Kofta Kebabs

You might skip the skewering to save lots of time. However for somewhat Greek spirit, it’s definitely worth the effort!

1. Sauce first

Make the sauce first, so the flavours have an opportunity to meld when you make the koftas. Simply combine the substances 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 robust – cease as soon as the spices are combined by way of the meat.

Combine all of the kofta substances in a bowl utilizing your palms. Sure, you’ve gotta get in there and get your palms soiled, there’s no different manner! Simply combine till the spices are evenly dispersed all through. I exploit a form of scrunching movement with my palms, I discover that’s the best.
The soiled palms in query, onerous 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 may have a pleasant floor space that may be cooked into a beautiful golden crust extra simply than cylindrical logs. Additionally they cook dinner quicker and extra evenly.
Prepare dinner – Warmth oil in a non stick pan over medium excessive warmth, or on a BBQ for a extra genuine expertise. Prepare dinner half the koftas for two minutes on both sides, 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 rapidly. Due to the spices, they’ll cook dinner up a ravishing deep golden brown color in case you management the warmth correctly. If not, they’ll burn!!

Take away cooked koftas onto a plate then cook 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. Prime 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. If you happen to’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 can be 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 it will likely be a DIY association fairly than à la carte. Who has the time to plate up and serve 8 individuals? Not me! Put your personal meal collectively! 😂

It’s additionally interesting that that is wonderful cooked on the barbecue, making it excellent for outside gatherings throughout hotter months. And the scent when these koftas are cooking is phenomenal!

Leftovers preserve effectively, 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 If you happen to’re after a conventional Greek lamb mince kofta recipe, I counsel 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 Jap lamb koftas.

Watch tips on how to make it

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Greek Kofta Kebabs – RecipeTin Eats

Greek Kofta Kebabs