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
Scale
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.
