Mediterranean Platter

Mediterranean Platter

Elevate your next gathering or party with this vibrant Veal Mediterranean Platter. This showstopping recipe brings bold flavors and festive presentation to the center of your table. At the heart of the dish is spiced veal kofta, bursting with fresh mint, garlic, and a beautiful blend of warm Mediterranean spices. It’s a dish that feels impressive but is surprisingly simple to put together.

This platter is all about variety and flexibility. Pair the kofta with creamy hummus and tangy pickled red onions. Or try smoky grilled vegetables, briny olives, and anything else your crowd loves. Serve it all on skewers alongside pita, feta cheese, and a generous scoop of tzatziki. This is perfect whether you’re putting together a handheld bite or a build-your-own platter. This recipe delivers big on flavor while letting you get creative with the accompaniments.

Mediterranean Platter Suggestions

To round out your Veal Mediterranean Platter, mix and match from this list of Mediterranean-inspired favorites: Olives (all kinds!), roasted red peppers, pine nuts, hummus, tzatziki, feta cheese, grilled asparagus, grilled peppers, grilled tomatoes, red onions, grilled shrimp, cucumber salad, pickled red onions, grilled lemon halves, tapenade, stuffed grape leaves, crackers, pita, or flatbread. And don’t be afraid to add your personal favorites—this is a dish that loves flexibility. No cardamom in your spice rack? No problem—this Veal Mediterranean Platter will still be delicious without it. But if you’re tempted to try it, go ahead and pick some up.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a laid-back summer gathering, or even a festive holiday spread. The platter lets Mediterranean flavors shine while giving you room to make it your own. This recipe and the stunning images were created by Colleen Kennedy of Soufflé Bombay. Be sure to visit her site for more mouthwatering recipes and entertaining inspiration.

Ingredients

Recipe

  • 2 pounds ground veal
  • 1/2 cup minced or grated onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 TBS chopped mint (or more if you enjoy the flavor)
  • ½ TBS of garlic oil mixture

For Spice Mixture

  • 1 TBS kosher salt (less if regular salt, see notes)
  • 1 TBS paprika
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon cumin if you enjoy the flavor of cumin, double this
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon or more of cayenne pepper depending on your enjoyment of heat

Instructions

  1. First make the garlic oil by combining ¼ cup avocado or olive oil, 1 clove garlic minced, a good 3 fingered pinch of kosher salt and some black pepper  (or use store-bought) and set aside allowing flavors to develop. Allow to sit for at least 20 minutes and up to 4 hours. Stirring occasionally. If in a rush, mash garlic a little as you stir with the back of a spoon.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover tightly and allow flavors to develop for at least an hour and up to overnight.
  3. When ready to cook, pinch off a small amount, form into a tiny patty and cook it off in a pan to taste for seasoning. If on point start to form your kofta, if not adjust.
  4. Form into about 8 portions and shape into little footballs.
  5. Assemble your Mediterranean Platter, getting everything out and onto a large tray, platter or multiple wood boards. This way once you pull the kofta it’s ready to go while the meat is warm.
  6. Preheat your cleaned and oiled grill on high. Place skewers on the grill and cook to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F, carefully turning to 2 or 3 sides, using a large grill spatula to help me move the meat.

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