Kofta [Turkish]

Ingredients :

1 cup fine fresh breadcrumb

1 lb lean ground lamb

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon dried mint

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons parsley

1 egg

1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps :

§    Make the bread crumbs by breaking up 2 slices of stale but not dried out whole wheat bread into the bowl of a food processor.

§    Whizz until finely crumbed.

§    Add the ground lamb and the egg, and process until blended.

§    Add the spices, garlic and parsley.

§    Process the meat well to achieve a fine texture.

§    Roll the mixture into small meatballs (I use a melonballer) or finger shaped patties using dampened hands.

§    You may cook them at once, or refrigerate the mixture for several hours.

§    (If your meat is very fresh, you can divide it in half and wrap part well in plastic for the next day's meal.) Heat the oil in a heavy skillet, and fry the balls or patties until cooked through and evenly browned.

§    The meatballs should be stirred several times, the patties turned once.

§    Remove them with a slotted spoon to drain.

§    Serve the meatballs hot or at room temperature as an appetizer.

§    Lovely with a yogurt or tahini sauce, on a bed of rice or in a pita.