Turkey Kofte With Apple Raita And Spinach Food

IZMIR KOFTESI

Steps:

• Place the ground beef, parsley, breadcrumbs, Aleppo pepper flakes, cumin, egg, onions, 3 of the minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oregano, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl and combine well using your hands. The mixture will be wet and a bit sticky. Form into 20 to 24 meatballs about 1/2-inch-thick in the shape of your choosing (see Headnote).
• Heat 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches and adding more oil as necessary, sear the meatballs until nicely browned on two sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Slice the potatoes crosswise 1/2 inch thick into a total of 20 to 24 slices. Arrange the seared meatballs and potatoes in an alternating pattern in a 9-by-9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to darken and release its color into the oil, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and give the mixture a nice stir. Add 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then taste and add more salt, if needed.
• Pour the sauce gently over the meatballs and potatoes. Top with the bell peppers and tomatoes. Cover with parchment paper and bake until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through, 40 to 50 minutes.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

KOFTE BURGER WITH HARISSA AND YOGURT

Steps:

• For the kofte burger: With your hands, mix together the ground beef, onion, coriander, cumin, sumac, cayenne and some salt and pepper in large bowl. Divide the mixture into four 4-inch patties.
• For the yogurt sauce: Mix the Greek yogurt, lemon zest and juice, garlic, cumin, cilantro, dill, mint and cucumber in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cook burgers on a grill or in a skillet (recommended) to the desired doneness. Salt and pepper the burgers liberally and let rest for 5 minutes to ensure a juicy patty.
• Split the burger buns and spread about 1 teaspoon harissa each of the cut-sides. Layer with a burger, arugula and parsley. Top with some yogurt sauce and chow down!

APPLE RAITA

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl, stir together yogurt, apple, ginger, chile and salt.
• Warm oil in a very small skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let seeds sizzle and pop, then stir in garlic and let sizzle without browning.
• Carefully pour hot contents of skillet into yogurt and stir together. Let mixture sit for 5 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at cool room temperature. (May be prepared up to several hours in advance.)

BARLEY RISOTTO WITH LIMA BEANS, ASPARAGUS AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Preheat grill. Using side burner or top of grill. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 leeks and fennel and cook until soft. Add the thyme and barley and cook for 1 minute. Place the broth and saffron in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Begin by adding 2 cups of the stock and stir until the barley has absorbed the stock. Add the remaining leeks and fennel and 4 cups of the broth. Cook until barley is tender and the mixture is creamy, stirring often, about 30 minutes, during the last 10 minutes add the asparagus. If the mixture appears dry, add the remaining 1 cup of stock. Add the lima beans and spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheese, salt and pepper to taste.