Kofta

Kofta (Kufteh Tabrizi ) Kofta (see section Names for other names) is a Middle Eastern and South Asian meatball or meatloaf . In the simplest form, koftas consist of balls of minced or ground meat — usually beef or lamb — mixed with spices and/or onions. The vegetarian variety like lauki kofta , shahi aloo kofta are popular in India.

Tabrizi kofta (Iran) includes yellow split peas and potatoes for vegetarian koftas well as minced meat Vegetable kofta curry served with rice in India 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 mutton , pork, or a mixture—mixed with spices or onions. In Muslim areas, pork is not used, and in India, beef is not used. In Greece and Cyprus , vegetarian versions are known as hortokeftedes ( ), and often eaten during fasting periods such as Lent . An uncooked version is also made in Turkey , called çiğ köfte . In India , vegetarian varieties may use potato, calabash , paneer , or banana. In Europe, kofta is often served in a fast-food sandwich in kebab shops . Koftas in India are usually served cooked in a spicy curry or gravy and are eaten with boiled rice or a variety of Indian breads . In Iran , Iraq , Pakistan and Azerbaijan , koftas are served with a gravy, as dry variations are considered to be kebabs. Shrimp and fish koftas are found in South India , West Bengal , and some parts of the Persian Gulf .

Middle Eastern and South Asian meatballs Kofte from Iran . Kofta is a family of meatball or meatloaf dishes found in Balkan , Middle Eastern , North African , South Caucasian , South Asian and Central Asian cuisines. In the simplest form, koftas consist of balls of minced meat – usually beef, chicken, pork, lamb or mutton, or a mixture – mixed with spices and sometimes other ingredients. The earliest known recipes are found in early Arab cookbooks and call for ground lamb. There are many national and regional variations. There are also vegetable and uncooked versions. Shapes vary and include balls, patties, and cylinders. Sizes typically vary from that of a golf ball to that of an orange.

Middle Eastern and South Asian meatballs Koofteh Tabrizi from Iran Kofta is a family of meatball or meatloaf dishes found in South Asian , Central Asian , Balkan , Middle Eastern , North African , and South Caucasian cuisines. In the simplest form, koftas consist of balls of minced meat —usually beef, chicken, lamb or mutton, camel, seldom pork, or a mixture—mixed with spices and sometimes other ingredients. The earliest known recipes are found in early Arab cookbooks and call for ground lamb. There are many national and regional variations. There are also vegetable and uncooked versions. Shapes vary and include balls, patties, and cylinders. Sizes typically vary from that of a golf ball to that of an orange. A Gourmet's Guide: Food and Drink from A to Z . In Indian cookery, the term kofta denotes a spiced meatball, or a similarly shaped mass of chopped fish or vegetable, cooked in a spicy sauce. In Hindi, the word means literally 'pounded meat'.