Turkish İnegöl Köfte with Sumac Onions and Pomegranate

A Flavorful Turkish Classic

Savory and tender meatballs spiced with Middle Eastern flavors, paired perfectly with tangy sumac onions and vibrant pomegranate seeds.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Köfte

500g ground beef or lamb

1 small onion, finely grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Sumac Onions

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sumac

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt

to taste

For the Pomegranate Topping

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Yogurt Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper

to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Köfte

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

For best results, prepare the mixture a day in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Mix thoroughly

Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.

Chill mixture

Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Sumac Onions

Combine ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced red onion, sumac, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.

Marinate onions

Toss until the onions are evenly coated and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Set aside until ready to serve.

Cooking Process

Shape and Grill the Köfte

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Shape the meat mixture into small logs or balls and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Wet your hands slightly to easily shape the köfte and prevent sticking. Ensure köfte are at room temperature before grilling for even cooking.

Assemble Sumac Onions

Once marinated, briefly toss the sumac onions to ensure full flavor integration before serving.

Mix Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Plating & Serving

Turkish İnegöl Köfte with Sumac Onions and Pomegranate

FaUtensils

Plating & Serving

Arrange the grilled köfte on a serving platter, topped with sumac onions and a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor.

Sauce Pairings

Yogurt Sauce

A creamy, tangy companion

Sumac Onions

Provides a vibrant tang

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Fresh parsleyPomegranate seeds

Perfect Sides

Bulgur pilaf

Warm pita bread