Name: Shifta (Spiced Ground-Meat Patties)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb (about 450 g) ground beef (or lamb); 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 3 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon mint, finely chopped (optional); 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 teaspoon curry powder; 1 heaping teaspoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 slice white bread, soaked in water until soggy then squeezed dry

Shifta (Spiced Ground-Meat Patties)

Şîfta

Shifta is a thrifty Kurdish home dish that stretches a little meat with onion, herbs, egg and bread or potato. Patties may also be pan-fried, grilled or barbecued; for gluten-free, replace the bread with 2 tablespoons potato starch. It is popular for picnics, packed lunches and Ramadan tables.

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Method

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking tray and fill a small bowl with water for shaping.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
With wet hands, form the mixture into small sausage-like patties about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.
Arrange on the tray and bake for 15 minutes.
Flip with tongs and bake 5 more minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Serve hot or cold, traditionally folded into warm nan with raw onion, a sprinkle of sumac and fresh lemon.