Description
These Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are a flavorful and aromatic dish made with ground beef or lamb blended with warm spices and fresh herbs. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, they are traditionally served with refreshing tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and your choice of saffron rice or warm pita bread. This recipe is easy to prepare, offering a delicious and authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Kofta Mixture
- 1.5 lbs ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 small onion, grated and squeezed
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon sumac (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Tzatziki sauce
- Sliced cucumber
- Chopped tomato
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Saffron rice or warm pita bread
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef or lamb with grated onion, garlic, parsley, and all the spices until the mixture is homogeneous and well mixed.
- Refrigerate Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to develop and meld beautifully.
- Prepare Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 to 60 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Shape Kebabs: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a cylindrical kebab carefully and securely thread each onto a skewer.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat a grill, griddle pan, or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Cook Kebabs: Place the skewers onto the cooking surface and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes to ensure they brown evenly and cook through without drying out.
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from heat and serve immediately hot with tzatziki sauce, fresh sliced cucumber, chopped tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and either saffron rice or warm pita bread on the side.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning and helps with safe handling during grilling.
- Refrigeration before cooking deeply enhances the flavors and firmness of the kofta, making shaping easier.
- Ground lamb offers a richer flavor, while beef is a leaner option; both work well.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to spice preference for a milder or hotter kebab.
- Serving with tzatziki and fresh vegetables balances the spices with cool, fresh elements.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: kofta, Middle Eastern kebabs, grilled meat skewers, lamb kofta, beef kofta, grilled kofta, kofta recipe, Middle Eastern cuisine
