Juicy, flavorful Turkish Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce is a plant-based twist on a Mediterranean classic, perfect for any dinner table!
Turkish Lentil Köfte with Mint Yogurt Sauce: Full of Spices, Herbs & Totally Vegan
Kofta is a staple in Turkish cuisine, with variations found throughout the region, including Greece, Iran, and Iraq, each adding their own unique touch to this beloved dish. For my Turkish Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce, I’ve opted for Beyond Beef as a plant-based alternative to meat. I prefer Beyond over Impossible because it’s made from vegetables rather than tofu, giving it a more natural and hearty flavor. Having traveled to Turkey, I fell in love with the bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant dishes that define their cuisine, and this recipe is my way of bringing a little bit of that magic to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Turkish flavor in every bite. Cumin, paprika, allspice, and fresh herbs give these vegan kofta that classic warm, savory profile.
A plant-based take that still feels traditional. Beyond Beef makes the texture hearty while keeping the recipe fully vegan.
Weeknight easy. They cook fast, come together in about 25 minutes, and look way more impressive than the effort required.
Make it your own. Adjust the spice, swap the protein, or finish with something bright like pomegranate molasses.
Great for prepping ahead. Mix the kofta or blend the mint yogurt sauce in advance to make mealtime even easier.
Naturally vegan and gluten-free friendly. Yay!
What is Kofta?
Kofta is a traditional dish enjoyed across Turkish, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines, typically made from spiced ground meat such as lamb, beef, or chicken. The mixture, seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, is shaped into patties, oblong cylinders, or skewers before cooking. Often grilled or pan-fried, the word “kofta” originates from the Persian kōfta, meaning “pounded” or “ground.” Known for its juicy texture and bold flavor, this dish is a favorite in many regional variations. In this modern vegetarian twist, Beyond Beef replaces the meat, preserving the essence of kofta while making it plant-based and equally delicious!
Ingredient Highlight: Beyond Beef
Beyond Beef is a fantastic plant-based protein option for those looking to cut back on meat while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying dish. Made from vegetables like peas and rice, Beyond Beef has a rich, meaty texture that works perfectly in kofta. It also comes pre-seasoned with salt, which is why this recipe doesn’t require as much added seasoning as you might expect.
Madly Delicious Must-Know Tips and Questions
- Looking for extra texture: Try adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to the kofta mixture. It adds a subtle crunch and extra depth of flavor.
- Perfecting Your Sauce: For an even creamier mint yogurt sauce, use thick Greek yogurt. Want a dairy-free option? Swap it with your favorite plant-based yogurt!
- Grate for Moisture: Grating the onion and garlic instead of finely chopping them releases their natural juices, which helps keep the kofta mixture moist and tender during cooking. While finely chopping works too, grating is a great trick for an even juicier texture.
Can I Make These Ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the kofta mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
What if I Don’t Have Pomegranate Molasses?
If you don’t have pomegranate molasses, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can give a similar sweet-tangy finish.
Can I Grill These Without Skewers?
Yes! Simply shape the kofta into patties and grill them directly on a greased grill grate. They’ll hold their shape just fine.
Let’s Dish About Kofta: Did You Know?
Kofta, often referred to as meatballs or meat patties, has been enjoyed across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and South Asia for centuries. The word “kofta” comes from the Persian word kuftan, meaning “to grind,” which reflects the traditional preparation of grinding meat and spices together. While Turkey’s kofta recipes often feature lamb or beef, plant-based versions like this one offer a modern twist on a time-honored classic.
Thinking of Giving Turkish Cuisine A Try? Try my Turkish Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce!
Ready to bring bold, Turkish-inspired flavors to your table? Tag me on Instagram @madly__delicious with #UnleashTheDelicious and #MadlyDelicious—I’d love to see your creations!
Check Out Some Of My Other Recipes
Classic Meatless Meat Sauce Pasta
Turkish Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
Kofta
- 1 (16-ounce) package of Beyond Beef, or alternative ground of choice
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced or grated
- 3 garlic cloves minced or grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika (hot, regular or sweet)
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt and black pepper
- ⅓ cup panko or regular breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- Olive oil (for cooking in a pan or grilling)
Mint Yogurt Sauce
- ¾ cup plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (juice of 1–2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp finely diced Persian cucumbers
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes for Kofta
- Pomegranate molasses
- Extra chopped mint
- Serve with yellow or long-grain rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 package Beyond Beef, 1 small yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup parsley, ¼ cup mint, 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp paprika, ½ tsp allspice, ½ tsp cayenne, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ⅓ cup breadcrumbs.Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make the kofta dense.
- Shape the Kofta: Divide the mixture into 8–10 portions and shape each into oval or cylindrical patties about 2–3 inches long.
- Make the Mint Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup plant-based yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp finely diced cucumber, 1 garlic clove (grated), 2 tbsp mint, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon as needed.
- Cook the Kofta (Pan or Grill):Pan: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the kofta for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Lightly brush the kofta with olive oil and grill for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the hot kofta over long-grain or yellow rice with a generous spoonful of mint yogurt sauce. Finish with pomegranate molasses and extra mint if you like.