Skip to main content

Spinach and Chickpea Köfte with Yogurt Sauce

Köfte (KAAF-tee) are Turkish meatballs, usually made with lamb, herbs, and spices. This vegetarian version is sure to become a weeknight standby. Try it with steamed carrots and a romaine-based salad.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4; 2 köfte and 2 tablespoons sauce per serving

Ingredients

Köfte

1 15.5-ounce can no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed and drained
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained, and squeezed dry
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs (lowest sodium available)
1 large egg white
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 medium lemon, quartered

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, using a potato masher, coarsely mash the chickpeas. Stir in the remaining köfte ingredients except the oil. Divide the mixture into 8 balls. Lightly flatten each to about 2 inches in diameter.

    Step 2

    In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the köfte for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and browned.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, parsley, and lemon juice. Spoon over the cooked köfte. Serve with the lemon wedges to squeeze on top.

  2. Nutrition information

    Step 4

    (Per serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 204

    Step 6

    Total fat: 4.0g

    Step 7

    Saturated: 0.5g

    Step 8

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 9

    Polyunsaturated: 0.5g

    Step 10

    Monounsaturated: 1.5g

    Step 11

    Cholesterol: 1mg

    Step 12

    Sodium: 166mg

    Step 13

    Carbohydrates: 31g

    Step 14

    Fiber: 7g

    Step 15

    Sugars: 5g

    Step 16

    Protein: 12g

    Step 17

    Calcium: 214mg

    Step 18

    Potassium: 591mg

  3. Dietary Exchanges

    Step 19

    2 starch

    Step 20

    1 lean meat

American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Chopped kimchi and soy sauce transform mellow tuna salad into your new favorite riff on the classic diner sandwich.