Description
Delicious Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs made with ground beef or lamb and aromatic spices, grilled to perfection and served alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad with herbs and warm flatbread. This flavorful, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Kofta Kebabs
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- 4 pita or flatbreads
Salad
- 2 cups chopped cucumber
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and ingredients throughout the meat.
- Shape the Kebabs: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Mold each portion around a skewer into a long sausage shape, ensuring the meat is firm and evenly packed on the skewers.
- Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.
- Prepare the Salad: While the kebabs cook, combine chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, mint, and parsley in a bowl. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss until all ingredients are well mixed and coated with the dressing.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Heat the pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a pan until they are warm and pliable, ready for serving alongside the kebabs and salad.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled kofta kebabs with the fresh salad and warm flatbreads on the plate. Optionally, serve with yogurt or tahini sauce for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
- You can substitute ground lamb for beef or use a mix of both for richer flavor.
- Adding a side of yogurt or tahini sauce complements the kebabs with creamy texture and tanginess.
- For a gluten-free option, replace pita with gluten-free flatbreads or serve the salad and kebabs without bread.
- Adjust spices according to your heat and flavor preference, adding chili powder or cayenne for some heat.
