RECIPE OF KOFTE CURRY, A FAMOUS TREAT


Kofte salon is a delicious and aromatic dish that originates from the Middle East, particularly Turkey and Lebanon. It's a savory delight made of spiced meatballs (kofte) served in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This dish is not only rich in taste but also offers a comforting warmth that makes it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. 

Here's a detailed recipe to guide you through the process of making kofte salon:

 Ingredients:

 For the Kofte:

  •  500g ground beef or lamb (a mix of both can also be used)
  •  1 onion, finely grated
  •  2 cloves of garlic, minced
  •  1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  •  1 egg
  •  1 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  1 teaspoon ground coriander
  •  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  •  Salt and pepper to taste
  •  Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

 For the Sauce:

  •  2 tablespoons olive oil
  •  1 onion, finely chopped
  •  2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  •  1 tablespoon tomato paste
  •  1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  •  Salt and pepper to taste
  •  1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

 Cooked rice or flatbread

 Instructions:

Making the Kofte:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

2. With damp hands, shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a ping pong ball. Place them on a plate or tray, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking.

3. Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a little oil to coat the pan.

4. Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.

5. Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown on all sides and ensure they are cooked through. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Set aside.

 Making the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet used for cooking the meatballs, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened.

Assembling the Kofte Salon:

1. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, carefully add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.

2. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes to heat through and absorb some of the flavors.

3. Once everything is heated through and the meatballs are coated in the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.

4. Garnish the kofte salon with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

5. Serve the kofte salon hot with cooked rice or flatbread on the side, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy!

Tips:

- If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

- Feel free to customize the spice blend in the meatballs and sauce to suit your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can also enhance the flavor profile.

- Leftover kofte salon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Enjoy making and savoring this delightful kofte salon recipe! It's sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, perfect for cozy nights in or special occasions with loved ones.