Kofta (Beef Or Lamb)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
7 mins
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Chilling Time
30 mins
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Total Time
57 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
141 kcal
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Kofta (Beef Or Lamb)
Description
Kofta (Beef or Lamb) uses ground meat mixed with onion, garlic, fresh parsley and mint, and a mix of warm spices including cumin, cinnamon, allspice, smoked paprika, and the distinctive tang of sumac. The ingredients are blended together and chilled to firm the mixture and deepen the flavors. Shaped tightly around skewers, the kofta is grilled over high heat until the exterior develops a browned crust while the interior remains tender and juicy.
The grilling process includes flipping the kofta multiple times to ensure even browning and a subtle char that enhances the flavor of the spices and herbs. This texture contrast between the crisped outside and soft inside is central to the appeal of kofta kebabs.
Traditionally served alongside tzatziki sauce, hummus, fresh Greek salad components, feta cheese, and pita bread, the kofta benefits from these fresh and creamy sides that complement the spiced meat. The herbs and sumac contribute brightness and depth that balance the richness of the beef or lamb.
Chilling the meat mixture is an important step for ease of shaping and flavor infusion. Kofta can be stored refrigerated for several days or frozen for months. When reheating, heating gently preserves moisture without overcooking the meat.
Ingredients
Kofta
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 small onion shredded or finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup parsley finely chopped, fresh
- 2 tablespoons mint finely chopped, fresh
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For serving
- tzatziki sauce
- hummus
- Greek salad
- feta cheese
- pita bread
Instructions
Prepare The Kofta Kebabs
- Season the kofta meat: Add the meat, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and spices to a large bowl and mix until combined well.
- Chill the kofta mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Form the kofta kebabs: Measure out about ½ cup of the kofta mixture. Now, with damp hands form it into the shape of a cylinder and then skewer it making sure to fit the ground meat cylinder tightly around the skewer. Then repeat this process until there is no remaining kofta mixture. The ground meat really needs to be molded to the skewer for the best results.
Grilling Option
- Preheat the grill: Oil the grates of your grill and then heat it to around 450°F (230°C). If you are using a grill pan instead, you will want to add about a tablespoon of oil to it and heat it to medium-high.
- Grill the kofta kebabs: Place the skewered kofta kebabs on the grill to cook for about 5 minutes turning them from time to time so that they evenly brown on all sides. If necessary you will want to cook the kebabs in batches rather than crowd your grill or grill pan.
Air Fryer Option
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Air fry the kofta kebabs: Place a few kofta kebabs in the air fryer basket, do not over-crowd, and air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve
- Serve the kofta kebabs: For a delicious authentic Middle Eastern meal serve the kofta on warm pita bread with the tzatziki sauce, hummus, Greed salad, and feta cheese.
Notes
- Use all the specified spices, especially sumac, for authentic flavor.
- Fresh parsley and mint add important herbal brightness compared to dried herbs.
- Chilling the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up and allows flavors to meld thoroughly.
- Flip kofta kebabs several times during grilling to brown evenly and develop charred flavor.
- Store cooked kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven carefully to maintain juiciness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 141 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1kofta | |
| Calories | 141kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 49mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 149mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 283mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.3g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 231IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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