Savor the Flavors of the Middle East with Homemade Kofta Kebabs
Kofta kebabs are a beloved staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for their rich flavors and succulent textures. This recipe brings together a delightful blend of spices and ingredients that promise to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East from the comfort of your own backyard grill. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply spicing up your weeknight dinner routine, these kofta kebabs are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- For the Kofta:
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 whole bunch of parsley, stems removed (about 2 packed cups parsley leaves)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground lamb
- 1 slice of bread, toasted until browned and soaked in water until fully tender
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp ground green cardamom
- ½ tsp ground sumac
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp paprika
- Pita bread for serving
- For the Fixings:
- Tahini sauce
- Tomato wedges
- Onion wedges
- More parsley
Directions
- Preparation: Begin by soaking 10 wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This prevents them from burning during grilling.
- Grill Prep: Lightly oil the grates of a gas grill and preheat to medium-high for about 20 minutes, ensuring it’s ready for your kebabs.
- Making the Kofta Mixture: In a food processor, combine the onion, garlic, and parsley until finely chopped. Add the ground beef, ground lamb, and the well-squeezed slice of bread along with all the spices. Process until the mixture is thoroughly combined and pasty.
- Forming the Kebabs: Remove the meat mixture from the processor and, with clean hands, take a fistful portion and mold it around each soaked skewer. Aim for kebabs about 1 inch in thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Grilling: Place the skewered kofta on the preheated grill. Cook for 4 minutes on one side, then turn over and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes or until beautifully browned and cooked through.
- Serving: Serve your kofta kebabs hot off the grill with pita bread, a drizzle of tahini sauce, and a side of fresh tomato and onion wedges. Sprinkle with more parsley for a fresh, herbal finish.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: Makes 6 servings
Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
These kofta kebabs are more than just a meal; they are a cultural experience. Pair them with a variety of sides such as a fresh cucumber salad or creamy garlic potatoes to complete this Middle Eastern feast. Happy grilling!
Kofta Kebab
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
The Kofta Kebab is a delightful dish that combines the robust flavors of beef and lamb with a mix of fragrant spices, creating a truly memorable meal. The addition of fresh parsley and a medley of spices like allspice, cayenne, and sumac brings a depth of flavor that is both exotic and comforting.
Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, these kebabs are best served with warm pita bread, creamy tahini sauce, and fresh vegetable fixings. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to prepare, making them a great choice for any occasion. Impress your guests with these flavorful and juicy kofta kebabs that bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Ingredients
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
2 garlic cloves
1 whole bunch parsley, stems removed (about 2 packed cups parsley leaves)
1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground lamb
1 slice of bread, toasted until browned and soaked in water until fully tender
Salt and pepper
1 ½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp ground green cardamom
½ tsp ground sumac
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp paprika
Pita bread to serve
For the Fixings:
Tahini Sauce
Tomato wedges
Onion wedges
More parsley
Instructions
Soak 10 wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from water when you are ready to begin. Lightly oil the grates of a gas grill and preheat it to medium-high for about 20 minutes. 🔥
Prepare pita bread and fixings. If you plan to, make the tahini sauce from this recipe. Prepare other sides and salads before you begin grilling. 🍅
In a food processor, chop the onion, garlic, and parsley. Add the beef, lamb, bread (be sure to squeeze out the water completely), and the spices. Run the processor until all is well combined forming a pasty meat mixture. 🥩
Remove the meat mixture from the food processor and place in a large bowl. Take a fistful portion of the meat mixture and mold it on a wooden skewer. Repeat the process until you have run out of meat. For best results, make sure each kofta kebab is about 1 inch in thickness. 📏
Lay the skewered kofta kebabs on a tray lined with parchment paper. Place the kofta kebabs on the lightly oiled, heated gas grill. Grill on medium-high heat for 4 minutes on one side, turn over and grill for another 3-4 minutes. 🍢
Serve the kofta kebabs immediately with pita bread, tahini, and the fixings you prepared. See suggestions for sides and related recipes. 🍽️
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal