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Ingredients
- For the Beef Kofta:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if grilling)
- For the Lemon Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Minced
- Garlic clove
- Olive oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parsley or mint for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Kofta Mixture: Mix the ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Toss in red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Blend all ingredients until they are nicely combined, but be gentle so your koftas don’t turn tough. Shape the mix into about eight to ten small patties or cylinders. If you want to grill it, then thread them onto skewers.
- Cook the Kofta: First heat a bit of olive oil in a big skillet on medium-high heat, like the stovetop method. Cook those koftas for about eight to ten minutes. Flip them now and then until they are browned everywhere and cooked fully through.
- Grill method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook each side of the koftas for about three to four minutes till they are done.Â
- Using wooden skewers: Soak them in water for half an hour before grilling so they don't burn.
- Make the Lemon Yogurt Sauce: In another bowl, mix up Greek yogurt with lemon juice and zest plus some minced garlic and olive oil—don’t forget salt and pepper. Stir it all till smooth and creamy. Add more lemon if you want it extra tangy.
- Serve: Place your cooked koftas on a platter, drizzle some yogurt sauce over them, then garnish with chopped parsley or mint if you are feeling fancy. Serve extra sauce on side too.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices make everything taste better. Toast whole seeds before grinding for extra aroma.
- Mix Gently: Don't be rough while mixing; the meat can get tough.
- Rest Them Up: Let your koftas chill in the fridge for about twenty minutes before cooking; they will firm up, making them easier to cook and hold shape well.
- Check Temp: Make sure inside temp hits around one-sixty degrees Fahrenheit; that’s safe, especially for ground beef.
- Lamb Swap: For traditional flavor, use lamb instead of beef or go half-half.
- Go Veggie: Maybe swap out meat entirely for mashed chickpeas or lentils, but remember to add EG or breadcrumbs as binder.
- Herbal Boost: Add more herbs like cilantro or mint into either meat mix or yogurt sauce.
- No Grains: Skip pita bread, opt for cauliflower rice, or make a simple salad.
Nutrition Information Per Serving:
- Calories: You will get 50 calories with this meal.
- Protein: An amount of 32 g of protein is obtained with this meal, in which protein is very important for muscle repair and growth.
- Fat: An amount of 12 g is served, which helps you to keep on the diet track.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the fuel source of the brain; here, 8 g of carbohydrates is obtained.
- Sugars: A 4 g of sugar is contained here depending on the fruits and honey used.
- Fiber: 1 g of fiber is obtained.
- Cholesterol: 95 mg of cholesterol is gained here.
- Sodium: 700 g of sodium is used.
Beef Kofta with Lemon Yogurt Sauce is a yummy and aromatic dish inspired by the Middle East. The koftas are made with ground beef mixed with spices and herbs, then paired with a tangy, creamy lemon yogurt sauce. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together, offering tasty flavors and an easy way to cook.