Description
A flavorful Middle Eastern recipe featuring spiced ground beef or lamb kofta kebabs served with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, warm flatbread, and creamy yogurt or tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a wholesome, protein-packed meal that is quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Kofta Kebabs:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- ½ small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or pan)
For the Salad:
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Warm flatbread or pita
- Plain yogurt or tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and all the spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Kebabs: Form the meat mixture into 6 to 8 long oval-shaped kebabs. If using skewers, thread each shaped kofta onto a skewer carefully.
- Cook the Kofta Kebabs: Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the kofta kebabs on the pan and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning regularly to ensure all sides are browned and the meat is cooked through.
- Prepare the Salad: While the kofta cooks, combine chopped cucumber, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh herbs in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Plate the cooked kofta kebabs alongside the fresh salad. Add warm flatbread or pita and a generous dollop of plain yogurt or tzatziki sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges for added zest.
Notes
- Kofta kebabs can also be grilled outdoors, pan-fried, or baked in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes as alternative cooking methods.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the meat mixture for 30 minutes prior to shaping the kebabs.
- To keep kebabs moist, avoid overcooking and ensure proper fat content in the meat.
- Serving with fresh herbs like mint elevates the freshness of the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
