Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers with Yogurt Sauce
While lamb or beef is traditional, I prefer ground turkey for these flavorful skewers, and the yogurt sauce adds a lightened dipping sauce full of flavor.
While lamb or beef is traditional, I prefer ground turkey for these flavorful skewers, and the yogurt sauce adds a lightened dipping sauce full of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1 clove garlic (minced or pressed)
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
- 1 cup nonfat greek yogurt
- for the kofta
- 1 pound plainville farm ground turkey
- scant 1/3 cup grated onion (about 1/2 small onion
- 2 sprigs parsley (chopped)
- 2 leaves (chopped)
- olive oil or grapeseed oil
- for the yogurt sauce
- 3 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
- 1 clove garlic (pressed)
- Carbohydrate 0.271603437420723 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0207765624927266 g
- Fiber 0.127387497886092 g
- Protein 0.0335409374666306 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00459187499982501 g
- Serving Size 1 1 skewer (59g)
- Sodium 302.586774999679 mg
- Sugar 0.144215939534631 g
- Trans Fat 0.00704068749679696 g
- Calories 1 calories
Step-by-step
- For the Kofta Skewers: In a medium bowl, gently combine the turkey with the grated onion, chopped herbs, garlic, kosher salt, coriander, cinnamon, allspice and cayenne pepper.
- Wet your hands and scoop about 1/3 cup of the meat into your hands and shape into oval shaped logs.
- Place on a sheet pan or plate covered with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- If using wooden skewers, soak the skewers in cold water for 15 min to 1/2 hour.
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grate.
- Grill the skewers for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally so that grill marks form.
- Reduce the heat and cook the skewers for another 5-8 minutes or until they begin to caramel in color and the meat is cooked through.
- For the Yogurt Sauce: Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. These Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers fit the bill perfectly! They're surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and a welcome change from our usual chicken routine. The lean ground turkey is a healthier alternative to traditional lamb or beef koftas, and the creamy yogurt sauce adds a refreshing touch that cuts through the richness of the grilled meat.
The prep time is minimal, and the cooking time is incredibly fast, making this a perfect weeknight dinner. I often prepare the kofta mixture in the morning and refrigerate it, so all I have to do in the evening is assemble the skewers and fire up the grill. It’s a fantastic way to add some excitement to a busy week and still have a nutritious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The kids love helping me assemble the skewers, making it a fun family activity too.
The vibrant flavors of the koftas are enhanced by the subtle sweetness of the cinnamon and the gentle heat of the cayenne. The herbs add a fresh, aromatic touch, and the yogurt sauce provides a cooling contrast to the warm, smoky flavors of the grilled meat. I love to serve these skewers with a simple side salad and some fluffy couscous or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal. This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the spices to your preference or add other vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Beyond the Weeknight: These skewers aren't just for a quick weeknight dinner; they're also perfect for barbecues and summer gatherings. They’re incredibly elegant and impressive, but surprisingly easy to make, which is a huge bonus when you’re entertaining. The beautiful grill marks and vibrant colors make them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. You could even prepare them ahead of time and grill them just before serving, reducing stress during a busy social event.
Tips and Variations:
- Skewer Selection: I prefer using metal skewers as they don’t require soaking. But if you're using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. For a milder kofta, omit it altogether, or add a pinch for a touch of warmth.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh cilantro, mint, or even a combination of both would work beautifully.
- Veggie Additions: Add some color and texture by incorporating chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or onions onto the skewers along with the turkey.
- Serving Suggestions: These koftas are delicious served with a variety of sides, including rice, couscous, quinoa, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
Making these Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers has become a regular part of our meal rotation. It's a satisfying and delicious meal that’s both healthy and quick. The whole family loves them, and I appreciate the convenience and ease of preparation, especially on busy weeknights. So give this recipe a try – I'm confident it'll become a new family favorite!
