Kofta: Turkish Meatballs, Cafe Drake Style

1 cup fine fresh breadcrumbs
2 cloves of garlic
3 to 4 tablespoons minced parsley
1 to 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint
OR 1 teaspoon dried mint

1 pound ground lamb
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon cumin seed

2 tablespoons olive oil

Mix all ingredients except for the olive oil together, very well. Although not traditionally very hot, if you like add 1/2 t. of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Smoked paprika is also nice for a change of pace. What you MUST use are the black pepper, mint, allspice and cumin.

Form into small meatballs or shape into quenelles as you'll see we did above.

Fry in olive oil over a medium flame until cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Delicious with yogurt or tahini sauce. Cafe Drake enjoyed our kofta with rice, yellow split peas and a green salad.