Grilled köfte (Turkish meatballs) recipe

Beef mince, onion juice and stale bread make juicy grilled köfte. A measured kneading method for restaurant flavour in a pan or on the barbecue.

What goes with it?

Separate the onion juice
Grate the onion and squeeze it. Add only the juice to the köfte, as the pulp burns on the grill.
Knead
Knead the mince, onion juice, crumbled bread, parsley and spices thoroughly. It should become sticky.
Rest
Keep the mixture covered in the fridge. During this time the salt strengthens the protein bonds.
Shape and cook
With wet hands, shape into flat patties. Cook on a hot grill or cast-iron pan for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, and do not turn them often.
Serve
Serve hot with charred peppers, tomatoes and rice.

The raw mixture keeps in the fridge for 1 day. Shaped köfte keep in the freezer for 2 months.

Why does köfte fall apart?

The mixture has not been kneaded enough or chilled. Knead until sticky and rest for at least 1 hour.