Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich

Ground turkey, onions, herbs and spices come together with tahini sauce and harissa hot sauce to make Turkish-style turkey kofta kebabs in pita for a healthy lunch! 

Introduction

Succulent and savory kofta becomes a weeknight staple with this Turkey Kofta Sandwich recipe. Inspired by the flavors of Turkish kofta kebab pitas, the Turkey Kofta Sandwich recipe offers a savory and convenient option for weeknight meals. Whether it's a quick and satisfying weekday lunch for the family or an uncomplicated dinner during hectic days, these turkey kebab pitas have become a reliable choice in my household.

Diverging from the typical lamb kofta kebab, this alternative presents a delightful opportunity to incorporate more turkey into your diet. I use a well-balanced blend of spices that goes perfectly with the succulence of the turkey ground meat. 

For a gluten-free alternative, I eat my turkey kofta kebabs on a bed of fresh Israeli salad for a super-filling, delicious and refreshing lunch option (details available in my variation).

Experience the fusion of Turkish culinary influence and innovative spices with this Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich. I make these turkey kebab pitas whenever I'm in need of a tasty weekday lunch for my husband and kids, or simple family dinner on a busy day. For a bosnian variation, try my bosnian pita pies (three fillings).

Why You'll Love This Turkey Kofta Sandwich

These ground turkey kebab sandwiches are a staple in my household and for good reason. Here are just a few of the reasons I know you'll love this recipe for a turkey kofta pita sandwich.

• Simple - The process of throwing these sandwiches together is so quick and easy. You can even make the ground turkey kebabs ahead of time and cook them when you're ready. It's an easy recipe to have on hand for hectic weekdays or weekends where you need something satisfying without too much work.
• Affordable - You only need a few ingredients to make a turkey kofta sandwich. The kebabs themselves require minimal items and the toppings are pantry and fridge staples. Altogether it makes this dish very accessible and affordable.
• Customizable - These sandwiches can take whatever form you want them to, making them a great meal for families or groups with various preferences. Spread fresh hummus or baba ganoush for a creamy sauce or load fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into the mix.

Is a Turkey Kofta Sandwich Healthy?

A turkey kofta sandwich is a great healthy meal throughout the week. Traditional kofta recipes use beef or lamb, but ground turkey kebabs are a nice, lean alternative.

The turkey provides plenty of protein, less fat, and the same delicious kofta flavors. Plus, the sandwiches can be loaded up with tons of vegetables to bring in some additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the meal.

For another healthy variation in on a fast dinner recipe using ground turkey, try this Turkey Burger Helper with Peas! My kids love it.

Ingredients you need to make turkey kebabs

• Ground turkey: A leaner alternative to ground beef, it can be swapped with ground chicken.
• Cilantro: A herb boasting a citrusy flavor, interchangeably with parsley or basil.
• Bread crumbs: Utilized as a binding agent, they can be replaced by panko or crushed crackers. I've achieved success using gluten-free bread crumbs.
• Salt: Employed to elevate flavors, it can be substituted with sea salt or kosher salt.
• Cumin: A spice renowned for its smoky notes can be swapped with chili powder or coriander.
• Paprika: A spice offering mild flavor, it can be substituted with smoked paprika or chili powder.
• Egg (optional): Functioning as a binding agent, it can be omitted.
• Harissa: A vibrant and spicy North African chili paste, adds depth and heat to the dish. Can also use schug in its place.
• Tahini Sauce: A rich and creamy condiment made from sesame seeds, imparting a nutty and slightly bitter taste. Make your own sauce from a good tahini paste!
• Pickled jalapenos or other pickles: For a fiery kebab pita, retain these, but omit if preparing for kids.
• Pita bread - a soft and versatile Middle Eastern bread, perfect for enveloping your flavorful kofta kebabs.

See recipe cards for exact quantities.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Skewers (Either wooden or metal)
• Cookie rack
• Baking Sheet

How to Make Ground Turkey Kebab Sandwiches

Make kebab mixture

To make ground turkey kebab sandwiches, combine ground turkey, diced onion, bread crumbs, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Add a pinch of cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the mixture. If the mixture holds together well, there is no need to use an egg as a binder. Place the mixture in the fridge for around 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Meanwhile, if you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Bake turkey kebabs

Once the turkey mixture has formed, shape it into elongated kebabs around the skewers. Wetting your hands can make this process easier. Grill the kebabs over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through. While the kebabs are grilling, you can prepare your sandwich toppings and condiments of choice. Remove the kebabs from the grill and carefully slide the meat off the skewers.

Make kebab pitas

To make a delicious kebab pita, start by warming the pita bread in the oven for a few minutes or in a toaster to give it a nice crispy texture. Once the pita is warm and ready, spread a spoonful of tahini sauce on the inner surface of the pita. This creamy sauce adds a flavorful base to the pita. 

Place a couple of baked turkey kebabs on top of the sauce. You can break them up, or keep them whole. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, drizzle some harissa over the kebabs for a spicy kick. Add a few pickled jalapenos or regular pickles to the mix if you prefer some tanginess. 

To enhance the freshness, sprinkle some more fresh cilantro over the kebabs. And finally, give your pita a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of zesty flavor. Carefully roll up the pita, enclosing the ingredients snugly. Now, you can bite into this tasty turkey kebab pita!

Storage

These prepared turkey kebab pitas will last for up to three days when wrapped in plastic and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but can they may get a bit soggy overtime. You can also freeze the kebabs themselves in a Ziploc freezer bag for up to three months. I've found it works best to thaw the kebabs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving. 

Top Tips

• Use a Food Processor- Utilizing a food processor to make this ground turkey kebab recipe even easier. All of the ingredients can be quickly blitzed in a food processor for a simple way to mix everything together.
• Chill the Turkey Kebabs - Help the turkey kebabs keep their shape while cooking by chilling them. Once you've shaped the mixture into kebabs, cover them and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Variations

Turkey Kebab Salad - Use this turkey kebab recipe as a salad topping. This is a great way to turn this dish gluten-free or use the delicious kebabs as an excuse to add in more vegetables to your day. The kebab spices would pair wonderfully with an Israeli salad or a lemony arugula salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Dishes

To try more Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, check out these recipes:

• Orange Tagine with Peaches
• Quinoa with Kabocha Squash and Chickpeas in Green Tahini Sauce
• Cheesy Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant and Tomatoes 

For a vegetarian option for these pita sandwiches, try stuffing them with vegetarian kofta kebabs.

Recipe