Kofta

Kofta is a family of meatball or meatloaf dishes found in the Indian subcontinent, South Caucasian, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Central Asian cuisines. In the simplest form, koftas consist of balls of minced or ground meat—usually beef, chicken, lamb, or pork—mixed with spices and/or onions. In Turkey, meatballs are called kofta and are extremely popular; there are many different versions with a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors.

Etymology

The word kofta is derived from Persian kūfta: In Persian, kuftan means "to beat" or "to grind" and kofta refers to the meatball itself.

Varieties

There are several varieties of kofta including:

• Lamb kofta: Made from minced lamb meat, this is a popular variety in the Middle East.
• Beef kofta: This variety is popular in South Asia and typically includes minced beef and spices.
• Chicken kofta: A lighter version made with minced chicken, popular in India and Pakistan.
• Vegetable kofta: These are popular in India and are made from a variety of vegetables, paneer, or tofu.

Preparation

Kofta dishes are usually made by mixing the ground meat with finely chopped onions, parsley, and spices. The mixture is then shaped into balls or patties and cooked. The cooking method can vary, with grilling, frying, and baking being the most common.

Serving

Koftas are often served with a sauce, such as a yogurt or tomato-based sauce, and are often included in kebab dishes. They can also be served with rice, lentils, or bread.

See also

• Meatball
• Meatloaf
• Falafel
• Hamburger