Turkish Lamb Koftas

Fragrant, exotic, and so easy and fast to make. Perfect for summer grilling!

Ingredients

1 lb / 500g lamb mince (or substitute with beef)

1 small onion, grated or minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup pistachio nuts, ground (optional)

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp cumin powder

1 tbsp red pepper flakes

1 tbsp olive oil

Yoghurt Sauce

3/4 cup plain yoghurt

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper

To Serve

Pita bread or Lebanese flat bread

Couscous

Lettuce leaves

Sliced tomato and red onion

Method

Mix together Yoghurt Sauce ingredients and place in the refrigerator to allow the flavours to develop.

Place the Kebab ingredients except the oil in a bowl and use your hands to just combine. Be careful to not overmix.

Divide into 8 portions and mould onto skewers.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

Add skewers and cook for 8 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

Serve kebabs with bread or couscous (or both), lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and yoghurt sauce on the side.

Wedges of lemon are also a great accompaniment.

Basilica Cistern

The Underground Wonder

For a change of scenery, descend into the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir built in the 6th century. As you walk along the dimly lit pathways, the reflections of the 336 marble columns in the still waters create an eerie yet enchanting ambiance. Don’t miss the Medusa heads used as column bases, adding a touch of mythological intrigue.

The Spice Bazaar

Aromatic

Delights

And finally, the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is another sensory feast. The air here is filled with the rich aromas of exotic spices, dried fruits, nuts, and sweets. It’s an excellent place to sample and purchase some traditional Turkish delights and spices to take home.

Sultanahmet Square

A Lovely Place to Stroll

Take a leisurely stroll around Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of the Old City. The square, surrounded by the aforementioned landmarks, is ideal for soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Street vendors, cafés, and the constant flow of people create a lively ambiance, making it a perfect spot to unwind and reflect on your day’s adventures.

Istanbul’s Old City is a captivating blend of ancient history and vibrant culture. Each landmark not only tells a unique story but also offers a glimpse into the city’s illustrious past. As you explore its streets and monuments, you’ll find that Istanbul is not just a city to see, but a place to experience deeply, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.