Shish kofta facts for kids

Shish kofta before being grilled

Shish kofta is a yummy dish from Turkish cuisine. It's a type of kebab made with kofta. Think of it like a tasty meatball, but shaped onto a stick and grilled!

This dish is very popular in Turkey. The name "shish" means "skewer" (the stick it's cooked on) and "kofta" means "minced meat" or "meatball". So, it's literally "meatballs on a stick"!

What is Shish Kofta Made Of?

Shish kofta is usually made from minced meat. This can be lamb, mutton, veal, or beef. Sometimes, it's a mix of these meats.

The meat is mixed with fresh herbs. You'll often find parsley and mint in the mix. These herbs give it a fresh and delicious flavor.

How is it Cooked and Served?

Once the meat is mixed, it's shaped around a şiş (which is a skewer or a stick). Then, it's cooked over a grill until it's perfectly done.

Shish kofta is often served with pilav. This is a type of rice or bulgur wheat dish, cooked in the Turkish style. It also usually comes with a fresh salad.

Different Kinds of Shish Kofta

Just like many popular dishes, shish kofta has different versions. These versions depend on where you are in Turkey.

Tire Köfte

One type is called Tire köfte. This special kofta is mostly made using veal meat. It's named after the town of Tire.

Burdur Şiş

The city of Burdur has its own famous shish kofta. It's called Burdur şiş. This version is traditionally made with goat meat. Today, it's more commonly made with beef.

What makes Burdur şiş special? It's usually made with just meat and salt. It doesn't have many other spices or herbs. It's often eaten with a special kind of pita bread.

In 2010, Burdur şiş was officially recognized. The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office said it was a unique type of shish kofta. This means it's a special food from that region.

Shish Kofta with Yogurt

Shish kofta can also be the main part of another dish. This dish is called yoğurtlu kebap. This means "kebab with yogurt". It's a delicious way to enjoy shish kofta with creamy yogurt.

Images for kids

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  Shish kofta before being grilled