Description
This Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta recipe features flavorful ground beef skewers infused with aromatic herbs and spices, grilled to perfection and served with creamy tahini and refreshing tzatziki sauces. Perfect for a quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal, accompanied by soft pita or flatbreads for a satisfying feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Kefta
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Tahini Sauce
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- Salt to taste
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the kefta mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Shape the kefta onto skewers: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Mold each portion around a soaked wooden skewer, shaping them into elongated sausage shapes to ensure even grilling.
- Grill the kefta: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until the beef is fully cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.
- Make the tahini sauce: While the kefta cooks, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and salt in a bowl. Adjust the water amount to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency suitable for drizzling.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce: In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the hot spicy beef kefta skewers alongside pita or flatbreads. Drizzle with the tahini sauce, add a generous dollop of tzatziki on the side, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill if possible.
- These kefta are best served immediately while hot and juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Armenian Mediterranean
