If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and feels like a warm hug from the Middle East, then this Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Salad and Flatbread Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, spiced meat kebabs paired with a refreshing herbaceous salad and soft, warm flatbread come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s perfect for sharing and impressing. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and wholesome, giving you everything you want in a meal on one plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can create such a memorable feast. Each item here plays a key role in building the rich taste, enticing aroma, and colorful appeal of your Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Salad and Flatbread Recipe.
- Ground beef or lamb: A juicy and flavorful base that holds all the spices beautifully.
- Small onion, finely grated: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the meat mixture.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Provides a punch of aroma and depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a burst of freshness both inside the kofta and in the salad.
- Ground cumin: Infuses the meat with that classic warm and earthy flavor.
- Ground coriander: Adds a citrusy note that brightens things up.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a gentle hint of sweetness that elevates the spices.
- Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and color boost.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all flavors.
- Skewers (if wooden, soaked): Essential for shaping and grilling the kebabs evenly.
- Pita or flatbreads: Soft and warm, perfect for wrapping or scooping.
- Cucumber (chopped): A cool, crisp texture to refresh the palate.
- Tomatoes (chopped): Juicy and vibrant, adding natural sweetness and color.
- Red onion (chopped): Adds a sharp, tangy crunch to the salad.
- Fresh mint and parsley (chopped): These herbs bring brightness and fragrance that lift the salad.
- Lemon juice: The perfect zesty acidity to tie the salad flavors together.
- Olive oil: Smooths everything out and adds a silky finish.
How to Make Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Salad and Flatbread Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meat and Spices
Start by combining the ground beef or lamb with grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing thoroughly ensures every bite bursts with that irresistible blend of warm spices and fresh herbs, creating the signature taste of this Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Salad and Flatbread Recipe.
Step 2: Shape the Kofta on Skewers
Divide the flavorful meat mixture into eight equal parts and mold each around your pre-soaked skewers into long, sausage-like shapes. This step is so satisfying, giving your kebabs that authentic look and making them easy to handle on the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Kebabs to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the kofta kebabs for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly and develop that irresistible char, signaling they’re cooked through and ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Herb Salad
While the kebabs are sizzling, toss together chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, fresh mint, and parsley. Then, dress the salad with freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple mix perfectly complements the spiced kebabs with crisp, bright flavors.
Step 5: Warm the Flatbreads
To finish, gently warm the pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a pan. This step makes them soft and pliable for wrapping around the kofta or scooping up the refreshing salad.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Serve your beautifully grilled kofta kebabs alongside the crisp salad and warm flatbread. For an extra touch, offer a side of cooling yogurt or tahini sauce, which adds creaminess and balance. This moment is so special — the flavors, the textures, the aromas all coming together in pure harmony.
How to Serve Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Salad and Flatbread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and mint over the kebabs and salad for that final pop of color and fresh herbaceousness. A drizzle of tangy tahini sauce or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt brings an added layer of richness that melts in your mouth.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it by adding sides like spiced rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a small bowl of hummus. Each option complements the kebabs’ flavors and adds variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Salad and Flatbread Recipe as wraps—simply pile the kebabs and salad into the warm flatbread and roll it up for a handheld delight. Alternatively, create a colorful platter where everyone can build their own plates, perfect for relaxed dinner parties or family-style meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover kofta kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep kofta kebabs longer, freeze them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Properly wrapped, they stay delicious for up to three months, ready to be pulled out whenever hunger strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the kebabs in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until hot throughout. Pair again with fresh salad and warmed flatbread for a meal that tastes just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version, but keep in mind the cooking time might be slightly shorter, and adding a bit of olive oil to the meat mixture helps keep it moist.
Do I have to use skewers for the kofta?
While skewers give great shape and make grilling easier, you can also form the kofta into patties or logs and cook them on a grill pan or skillet without skewers.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has warm, aromatic spices but is not spicy hot. If you prefer some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
The salad is best fresh to maintain its crispness, but you can chop the vegetables and herbs separately and mix just before serving to save time.
What can I serve instead of flatbread?
If you’re avoiding bread, serve the kebabs and salad over a bed of couscous, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb option that’s still hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Salad and Flatbread Recipe is a delicious invitation to explore bold flavors and wholesome ingredients with ease. Once you try it, it’s easy to see why it becomes an instant favorite—perfect for any occasion and loved by all ages. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and enjoy making this vibrant, satisfying meal that brings a little magic from the Middle East right into your kitchen.
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Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Salad and Flatbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 kebabs)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Delicious Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs made with spiced ground beef or lamb, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad alongside warm pita or flatbread. This flavorful and satisfying meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, combining aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and charred meat with a refreshing salad.
Ingredients
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)
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
Additional
- 4 pita or flatbreads
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Take each portion and firmly shape it around a soaked skewer into a long sausage shape, ensuring the meat adheres well to the skewer.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the koftas evenly and creating a nice char on the surface.
- Cook the Kofta Kebabs: Place the kofta skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are cooked through and develop a flavorful char on all sides.
- Prepare the Salad: While the koftas cook, combine chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, fresh mint, and fresh parsley in a bowl. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss gently to mix flavors.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Warm the pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a pan until soft and slightly browned, perfect for wrapping or serving alongside the koftas.
- Serve: Serve the grilled kofta kebabs with the fresh salad and warm flatbreads. Optionally, add a side of yogurt or tahini sauce for dipping and extra flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Ground lamb adds a richer flavor, but ground beef can be used as a milder alternative.
- Adjust spices to taste, adding more or less cinnamon or paprika if desired.
- The salad can be made ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- For a gluten-free option, serve without pita or use gluten-free flatbread.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used to cook the kebabs.
