Appetizer · Main Course · Middle Eastern · Dinner ·

Aromatic Turkish Köfte with Sumac Onions

Name: Aromatic Turkish Köfte with Sumac Onions
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 500g ground lamb, (or beef); 1 medium onion, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 large red onions, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp ground sumac; 2 tbsp olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt, to taste; 1 cup plain Greek yoghurt; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 pita or flatbreads; Olive oil, for brushing; Pinch of salt

Savory Turkish köfte paired with zesty sumac onions, perfect for a rich dining experience.

4.1(419 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 4, 2025

Aromatic Turkish Köfte with Sumac Onions — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Köfte

For the Sumac Onions

For the Yoghurt Sauce

For the Flatbreads

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 447 kcal
Protein: 20.4 g
Carbs: 34.8 g
Fat: 27.6 g
Fiber: 2.7 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2682 kcal
Protein: 122.5 g
Carbs: 208.5 g
Fat: 165.8 g
Fiber: 16.2 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g ground lamb (or beef)	1250	80	0	105	0
1 medium onion grated	44	1.2	10	0.1	1.9
2 cloves garlic minced	9	0.4	2	0	0.1
1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped	4	0.3	0.6	0.1	0.3
1 tsp ground cumin	8	0.4	0.9	0.5	0.4
1 tsp ground coriander	5	0.2	1	0.3	0.7
1 tsp paprika	6	0.3	1.2	0.3	0.8
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 large red onions thinly sliced	96	2	22	0.2	4
1 tbsp ground sumac	6	0.3	1.3	0	0.8
2 tbsp olive oil	239	0	0	27	0
Juice of 1 lemon	12	0.2	3.5	0.1	0.1
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup plain Greek yoghurt	100	9	6	5	0
1 clove garlic minced	4	0.2	1	0	0.1
1 tbsp lemon juice	4	0.1	1	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
4 pita or flatbreads	880	28	160	14	8
Olive oil for brushing	119	0	0	13.5	0
Pinch of salt	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Köfte

1
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley.
Tip: Use a 2:1 lamb to beef ratio for enhanced richness.
2
Add Spices and Season
Add ground cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper, then mix well.
Tip: Ensure the meat mixture is thoroughly combined for best texture.
3
Chill Köfte
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Tip: Allow the köfte mixture to rest to enhance the flavors.

Preparing the Sumac Onions

1
Combine Onions with Sumac
In a bowl, combine thinly sliced red onions with ground sumac.
2
Season and Toss
Add olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, then toss to coat evenly.
3
Marinate Onions
Let them marinate while the köfte is resting.

How to Make Aromatic Turkish Köfte with Sumac Onions

Total time: 2 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Grill Köfte
Shape the köfte mixture into small patties or logs and grill over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes on each side until cooked through.
2
Cook Flatbreads
Brush flatbreads with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt. Toast on a grill or in a pan over medium heat until warm and slightly charred.
3
Make Yoghurt Sauce
Combine all the yoghurt sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth.