Pideli Köfte – Meatballs with Yogurt and Sauce
Pideli Kofte is a traditional Turkish dish featuring succulent oval-shaped beef meatballs served over pita bread, topped generously with creamy yogurt and a savory tomato sauce finished with melted butter. This hearty and flavorful meal combines tender, spiced meat with the freshness of yogurt and rich tomato sauce, making it a perfect comfort food that is both satisfying and aromatic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 500g beef mince
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
Bread and Toppings
- 3 pita breads, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or canned)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the beef mince with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, and salt. Knead the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the seasoned mince into oval-shaped meatballs, about the size of small sausages, making sure they are uniform for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Grill the meatballs over medium-high heat or pan-sear them in a skillet until they are cooked through and have a nice browned crust, approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly on all sides.
- Prepare the Base: Cut pita bread into pieces and arrange them evenly on a serving plate. The bread acts as the base and will soak up the toppings without becoming soggy if done correctly.
- Add Yogurt: Generously spoon plain yogurt over the cut pita pieces, spreading it lightly to cover the bread but maintain some texture.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked meatballs on top of the yogurt-covered pita pieces.
- Finish with Sauce and Butter: Heat the tomato sauce gently and pour over the meatballs. Melt the butter and drizzle it on top to add richness and a glossy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley and garlic for the best flavor.
- Shape meatballs uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- The pita bread should absorb the sauce but remain firm to avoid sogginess.
- You can grill the meatballs or pan-sear them as per your preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.