There are chicken meatballs (many of which as tasty. You can find some of my chicken meatball recipes here here and here); then there are these mixtures of awesomeness that will make your taste buds as happy as can be. AND, maybe even better, you can make the mixture ahead of time, and cook them as you putter around the kitchen, making this a great option for weeknights.
Be sure to add some sides like chopped lightly salted tomatoes, pita, hummus and leafy greens.
As a note: I highly recommend you double the recipe, and the leftovers are great as a lunch option, and freeze well, too.
Chicken Kofta
Yields: 6 - 8 servings
Ingredients
2 pieces bread (slice of sandwich bread, or whatever you have on hand)
3 lb ground chicken
2 small onion, grated (about ½ cup grated onion)
2 garlic clove, minced
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
6 tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 tbsp aleppo pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp sweet paprika
Salt and pepper
2 eggs
drizzle extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Toast the bread until golden brown and dry. Place it in a small bowl and cover with water. Let it sit for a few minutes or until tender then squeeze the bread to wring out all the water (it should fall apart into smaller pieces).
Place the bread in a large mixing bowl. Add the ground chicken, grated onion, garlic, fresh parsley, mint, spices and a dash of salt and pepper. Add the egg and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Using clean hands, mix the chicken mixture until everything is well combined. If time allows, cover and let the mixture stand refrigerated at least an hour or two.
When ready to shape the kofta, wet your hand with a tiny bit of water and begin to form the chicken mixture into 8 rugby ball shaped patties that are about 1 1/2 - 2 inches around the pudgy middle and 2 inches long. Arrange the prepared kofta patties on a tray or large plate and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes or so just while the air fryer is heating.
You can also cook these on a grill or in a hot oven (425).
Heat the air fryer to 425. Once ready, lay as many kofta patties as you can fit without crowding. Cook 15 total minutes, turning halfway. The patties should be golden brown and sizzling.
Serve immediately, garnished with another sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or chili pepper flakes and your choice of sides such as hummus, chopped tomatoes, pita, or use as you like it.
Enjoy!
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