RECIPE

Turkey Kibbe Kebabs with Two Sauces

  • ACTIVE: 45 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 6 first-course servings

Kibbe kebabs are made from chopped meat and (very often) bulgur and formed into sausagelike shapes. Here, turkey replaces the traditional lamb.

  • ACTIVE: 45 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 6 first-course servings
  • HEALTHY
  • MAKE-AHEAD
  • STAFF-FAVORITE

Ingredients

  • Parsley, Lemon and Walnut Sauce
    1. 2 lemons
    2. 3/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
    3. 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
    4. 1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
    5. 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
    6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    7. 2 tablespoons water
    8. 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    9. Pinch each of freshly ground black pepper and Aleppo pepper
  • Yogurt-Garlic Sauce
    1. 2 cups plain low-fat Greek yogurt
    2. 1/2 cup water
    3. 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
    4. 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
    5. 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Turkey Kebabs
    1. 1 pound skinless, boneless turkey thigh meat, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
    2. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
    3. 1 cup medium-grain bulgur, rinsed
    4. 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
    5. 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    6. 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    7. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    8. 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
    9. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    10. 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
    11. Warm pita bread, for serving

Directions

  1. Using a sharp knife, cut the lemons into eighths and discard any seeds. Cut the lemon flesh from the peel and coarsely chop the flesh. Transfer to a small bowl and add the parsley, mint, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, water, salt and black and Aleppo peppers. Set aside for 1 hour.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the yogurt with the water. Stir in the parsley, garlic and salt. Let stand for 1 hour.
  3. Light a grill or preheat the broiler. In a food processor, pulse the turkey meat until finely ground. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, bulgur, onion, flour, salt, black pepper, allspice, cumin and Aleppo pepper and process to a paste, about 30 seconds. Form the mixture into six 1 1/2-by-7-inch logs on metal skewers.
  4. Brush the kebabs with olive oil and grill for 5 minutes over moderately high heat, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, broil the kebabs for 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve the turkey kebabs with warm pita bread and the 2 sauces.

Make Ahead

The parsley sauce can be made up to 2 hours ahead. The yogurt sauce and formed turkey kebabs can be refrigerated overnight.

Notes

The Aleppo pepper called for in the kibbe kebabs recipe is a Turkish crushed chile, which is more robust and slightly fruitier than regular red chile flakes. If you can't find Aleppo pepper, substitute 1/4 teaspoon of paprika and a tiny pinch of cayenne.