Description
Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are flavorful ground meat skewers seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Grilled to perfection and served alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad with herbs and lemon dressing, accompanied by warm flatbread, this dish offers a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for gatherings or a delicious family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For the 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
For Serving
- 4 pita or flatbreads
- Optional: Yogurt or tahini sauce
Instructions
- Mix the Kofta Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Kofta: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Take each portion and mold it around a skewer into a long sausage-like shape, ensuring it adheres well.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice char on all sides until the meat is cooked through.
- Prepare the Salad: While the koftas are grilling, in a bowl, mix chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, fresh mint, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine and let the flavors meld.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Warm the pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a pan until soft and pliable, ready to serve alongside the kebabs and salad.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot kofta kebabs with the fresh salad and warm flatbread. Optionally, accompany with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Ground lamb gives a richer flavor, but beef works well for a milder taste.
- Feel free to add chopped chili or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kofta.
- The salad can be prepared ahead of time to allow flavors to develop.
- For gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps.
- Leftover kofta can be refrigerated and reheated gently on a grill or pan.
