why make this recipe
Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are a flavorful delight that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. These skewers of spiced ground meat are simple to prepare and perfect for grilling. They are juicy, aromatic, and make a great addition to any meal or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for a quick dinner option, kofta kebabs are a fantastic choice.
how to make Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into long sausage shapes around the skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Serve hot with pita bread, tahini, or your favorite dipping sauce.
how to serve Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
You can serve kofta kebabs with warm pita bread and a side of tahini or yogurt sauce. Fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple salad complement these kebabs nicely. They also pair well with rice or couscous for a filling meal.
how to store Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave. You can also freeze the uncooked kebabs for up to a month; just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before grilling.
tips to make Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
- Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly for even flavor.
- Don’t pack the meat too tightly around the skewers to allow for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, let the meat mixture sit for about 30 minutes before shaping the kebabs.
variation
You can add different spices or herbs to customize your kofta kebabs. Some people like to add chili powder for spice or mint for added freshness. You can also use chicken or turkey in place of beef or lamb for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the kebabs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the kebabs in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill.
Q: What can I serve with kofta kebabs?
A: Kofta kebabs go well with various side dishes such as rice, couscous, salads, hummus, and pita bread.
Q: Are kofta kebabs spicy?
A: Kofta kebabs are not typically spicy, but you can adjust the spices to suit your taste. Adding chili powder will increase the heat.
Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
Juicy and aromatic skewers of spiced ground meat, perfect for grilling and serving at any meal or gathering.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Combine ground meat, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into long sausage shapes around the skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Serve hot with pita bread, tahini, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the meat mixture sit for about 30 minutes before shaping the kebabs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
