Kofta kebabs are a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. This recipe is not only easy but also incredibly delicious. Made with minced lamb and a blend of aromatic spices, these kebabs are perfect for any occasion. To enhance your dining experience, we also provide three versatile sauce recipes that complement the kebabs beautifully.
Table of Contents
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Ingredients
For the Kofta Kebabs:
- Minced lamb (or other minced meat): 1 kg (2.2 pounds)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Red hot pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander: 1 teaspoon
- Grated garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Finely chopped parsley: 1/2 cup
- Chopped onion: 100 g (1/2 cup)
- Oil for cooking
- Grilled vegetables, vegetable salad, and sauces to taste for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Mixture
- Mixing Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 kg of minced lamb, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of red hot pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, 1 tablespoon of grated garlic, 1/2 cup of finely chopped parsley, and 100 g of chopped onion.
- Kneading the Mixture: Mix all the ingredients well to form a uniform mass. Knead the mixture thoroughly until “fibers” appear in the meat. This ensures the kebabs hold together well during cooking.
- Resting the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the meat mixture rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Forming and Cooking the Kebabs
- Forming the Kebabs: Shape the meat mixture into large flat cakes or patties. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Heating the Pan: Heat a little oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Cooking the Kebabs: Fry the patties in the hot oil until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure the kebabs are cooked through but remain juicy.
Step 3: Serving the Kebabs
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the kofta kebabs hot, accompanied by grilled vegetables, a fresh vegetable salad, and the following delicious sauces.
Three Extra Sauce Recipes
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt: 1 cup
- Grated cucumber: 1/2 cup (squeeze out excess water)
- Minced garlic: 1 clove
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Chopped dill: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of grated cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped dill, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Blend Well: Mix all the ingredients until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Spicy Harissa Sauce
Ingredients:
- Harissa paste: 2 tablespoons
- Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of harissa paste, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Stir and Chill: Stir until smooth and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Garlic Tahini Sauce
Ingredients:
- Tahini: 1/2 cup
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Minced garlic: 1 clove
- Water: 2-3 tablespoons (to thin)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of tahini, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 2-3 tablespoons of water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
- Adjust Consistency: Mix until smooth, adding more water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Chill before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Potassium: 400 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Vitamin A: 200 IU
- Vitamin C: 20 mg
- Calcium: 100 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Conclusion
This Easy and Delicious Kofta Kebab Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal. Paired with the three versatile sauces—Tzatziki, Spicy Harissa, and Garlic Tahini—these kebabs are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the rich flavors and the delightful combination of spices in every bite.