Kofta

In the simplest form, koftas consist of balls of minced meat—usually beef, chicken, pork, lamb or mutton, or a mixture—mixed with spices and sometimes other ingredients.

[13][10] The earliest recipes are for large ground lamb meatballs triple-glazed in a mixture of saffron and egg yolk.

[10] Koftas are found from the Indian subcontinent through Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, and northern Africa.

[10] Koftas are found in the traditional cuisines of Armenia,[14][15] Afghanistan,[14] Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,[10] Georgia,[15] Lebanon, Syria, Egypt,[14][15] Greece,[10] India,[10][14][16] Iran, Morocco,[10] Pakistan,[17] Romania,[18] Serbia, North Macedonia, and Turkey.

With the inventive fillings that frequently enhance the flavor profile, koftas provide plenty of opportunity for creative culinary experimentation.

In addition to satisfying personal tastes, this variation in size and shape enables creative display and serving possibilities.

[10] They can be grilled, fried, steamed, poached, baked, or marinated, and may be served with a rich spicy sauce or in a soup or stew.