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Kofta Kebab Recipe

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This traditional Kofta Kebab recipe features a flavorful blend of ground lamb or beef mixed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Shaped into small logs or patties and cooked quickly on the grill, stovetop, or broiler, these kebabs are perfect as an appetizer or main course. Serve them hot with pita bread, fresh onions, herbs, and creamy yogurt or tahini sauce for an authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dining experience.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

  • 1 pound ground lamb or ground beef or use a 50/50 mix
  • 1 small onion, finely grated or minced (squeeze out excess moisture)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon chili flakes or minced fresh chili for heat
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs for binding

For Cooking

  • Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion (with excess moisture squeezed out), minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent the kofta from becoming mealy.
  2. Shape the Koftas: Lightly wet your hands with water and form the meat mixture into small logs or oval-shaped patties. If grilling, thread them onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Alternatively, shape them into patties or small meatballs.
  3. Chill the Koftas (Optional): Place the shaped koftas or skewers into the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better while cooking.
  4. Cook the Koftas – Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the koftas with olive oil, then grill them for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
  5. Cook the Koftas – Stovetop Method: Heat a cast iron pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the koftas lightly with olive oil and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
  6. Cook the Koftas – Broiler Method: Place the koftas on a foil-lined tray, brush with olive oil, and broil for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
  7. Serve: Serve the hot kofta kebabs with warm pita bread, sliced onions, fresh herbs, yogurt sauce or tahini sauce, and lemon wedges for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Notes

  • Makes about 6 to 8 kofta skewers, each approximately 4 to 5 inches long if shaped into logs, or 6-8 patties, or 16 to 20 small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
  • Chilling the koftas before cooking helps them maintain their shape and improves texture.
  • Use breadcrumbs sparingly if the mixture feels too loose, but avoid adding too much to keep the kofta tender.
  • Adjust chili flakes or fresh chili for desired heat level or omit for mild flavor.

Find it online: https://cookingwithsarah.com/kofta-kebab-recipe/