Kofta Kebab Recipe
Kofta Kebab Recipe is incredibly flavorful and irresistible, making them a popular choice. With their versatility, koftas can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in wraps, with rice, as sandwiches, side dishes, or appetizers. I love this recipe as it’s simple, easy and can be put together with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients for Kofta Kebab Recipe
Ground meat
Traditionally these koftas are made with ground lamb but I used 20%fat and 80% lean beef instead. Fat is an important ingredient for these koftas, which provides a unique flavor as well as helps in binding.
Spices
When it comes to adding flavor and depth to dishes, spices play a significant role. In this recipe, we rely on a harmonious blend of simple yet powerful spices to elevate the taste to new heights. I used salt, red chili flakes, cumin powder, and sumac. Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice which not only imparts a vibrant red color but also contributes a unique tartness.
Fresh Ingredients
I used 1 medium-sized red onion, 1 bell pepper, 5 cloves of garlic, and 2 jalapenos peppers (optional) shred them in a food processor, and squeeze all of the water before adding to the ground meat. Squeezing the excess water helps in the binding of koftas or else it is almost impossible to shape them
Parsley or Cilantro
Parsley is a versatile herb that adds a vibrant flavor to various dishes. Whether used as a garnish or a key ingredient. I often opt to finely chop around half a cup of fresh cilantro or parsley and add it to the kofta mixture. This not only imparts a refreshing herbal note but also brings a vibrant green color to the presentation.
Shaping Kofta Kebabs
You can use wooden skewers to shape them, but I shaped them into Koftas without any skewers for my convenience. Use a little bit of cold water or oil on your hands while shaping which will facilitate the shaping process.
Serving suggestions for Mediterranean koftas
I like to serve koftas with plain yellow rice, green chutney, and a side salad. You can also make kofta wraps using tortilla or Mediterranean bread.
storing leftover koftas
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in a refrigerator or you can also freeze them after shaping or cooking. I think Middle Eastern koftas makes excellent food for meal prepping or serving at parties as a side dish or appetizer.
Must Try Recipes
Mediterranean Koftas
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Ground lamb or beef , 20% fat 80% lean
- 1 large onion
- 2 green peppers , I used jalapenos
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 medium bell pepper, red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) oil , for frying
- ½ cup (8 g) cilantro
Spices
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sumac
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp red chili flakes, or to taste
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Instructions
- In a food processor, add sliced red onion, garlic cloves, red bell pepper, and green chilies. Pulse it several times to crush it. Now use a strainer and a spatula or a mesh cloth to remove all of the excess water.
- If the ground meat you are using is not fine, then in the same processor, add ground meat and pulse it a few times.
- In a large bowl, combine the onion mixture, ground meat, spices, and finely chopped parsley or cilantro. Mix and with your hands knead it for 3 minutes.
- Now, apply some water or oil on your hands and shape this mixture into koftas. This recipe will make 8 medium koftas.
- In a large skillet, add 2 tbsp of oil and pan fry on high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve with rice, salad, and some yogurt sauce.