Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Kofte is a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional köfte, using lean turkey mince blended with fresh herbs and spices. Perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or baking, this recipe is a great option for a light and delicious meal.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Healthy alternative: Made with lean turkey mince for a lighter take on traditional Kofte.
• Bursting with flavor: Fresh herbs and spices add a vibrant taste.
• Versatile: Can be served in wraps, with salads, or as a main dish.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

What Is Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte?

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Kofte features minced turkey mixed with a blend of herbs and spices, shaped into patties or skewers, and cooked to perfection. It’s a lighter, protein-packed version of the traditional Middle Eastern dish.

Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) turkey mince
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 small bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

For Serving:

• Flatbreads or pita
• Cucumber-yogurt sauce or tzatziki
• Fresh salad (lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion)
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte

Step 1: Prepare the Kofte Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey mince, grated onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, parsley, mint, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 2: Shape the Kofte

• Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into small patties or oval-shaped logs. If using skewers, thread the mixture onto soaked wooden or metal skewers.

Step 3: Cook the Kofte

• Heat a grill pan, frying pan, or barbecue over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if pan-frying.
• Cook the köfte for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

• Serve the turkey Kofte hot in flatbreads or pita with cucumber-yogurt sauce, fresh salad, and a squeeze of lemon.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte

• Rice pilaf: A traditional accompaniment that pairs well with the flavors of the Kofte.
• Cucumber-yogurt sauce: A cooling dip to complement the spices.
• Fresh salad: Serve with a side of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
• Hummus: A creamy dip that enhances the Middle Eastern flavors.
• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are excellent sides.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense Kofte.
• Chill the mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and mint add vibrant flavors to the Kofte.
• Oil your hands: Lightly oil your hands when shaping the Kofteto to prevent sticking.
• Add heat: Include chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte

• Cheesy Kofte: Add crumbled feta or grated Parmesan to the mixture.
• Vegetable-packed Kofte: Mix in grated zucchini or carrots for added nutrition.
• Middle Eastern style: Serve with tahini sauce and pickled vegetables.
• Mediterranean twist: Use oregano and lemon zest for a Mediterranean flavor.
• Indian-inspired: Add garam masala and serve with raita and naan bread.

How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte?

• Refrigerate properly: Store cooked Kofte in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Freeze uncooked or cooked Kofte on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook or reheat directly from frozen.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Turkey Kofte?

• Reheat on the stovetop: Warm in a frying pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
• Use the oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, but note that the texture may change slightly.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g

FAQs

Can I bake turkey Kofte instead of frying or grilling?

Yes, turkey Kofte can be baked in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

How do I prevent turkey Kofte from falling apart during cooking?

Make sure to use an egg and breadcrumbs in the mixture to bind the ingredients. Chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping also helps the Kofte hold its shape during cooking.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option?

You can use almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or oats processed into a fine texture as a substitute for breadcrumbs.

Can I prepare turkey Kofte ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the Kofte up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Köfte is a delicious and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for a light meal or a dinner party, this versatile recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy every bite!

More Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Turkey Stuffing
• Jamie Oliver Turkey Risotto
• Jamie Oliver Turkey Stew

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