Description
Delicious Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs made with spiced ground beef or lamb, grilled to perfection and served alongside a fresh, vibrant cucumber and tomato salad with herbs and tangy lemon dressing, complemented by warm pita or flatbreads.
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
- Mix the Kofta Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
- Form the Kebabs: Divide the mixed meat into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer into a long, sausage-like form, ensuring they are firmly packed to hold shape during cooking.
- Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly and develop a nice char on all sides.
- Prepare the Salad: While the kebabs cook, combine chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, fresh mint, fresh parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss well to create a fresh, tangy salad.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Place the pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a warm pan just until heated through and slightly toasted.
- Serve: Plate the grilled kofta kebabs with the fresh salad and warm flatbreads. Optionally, add a side of yogurt or tahini sauce to enhance the meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh parsley and mint herbs.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- You can substitute lamb for beef or use a mixture of both.
- Adding a side of yogurt or tahini sauce complements the kebabs well.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on stovetop works perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
