Juicy Kofta Recipe
Kofta is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with spiced ground meat, usually lamb or beef, shaped into skewers and grilled to perfection. The spices give the meat a wonderful depth of flavor, making it perfect for serving with pita bread, yogurt sauce, or a fresh salad. This recipe for kofta is easy to prepare and brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors straight to your home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each portion around a skewer, pressing firmly to form long, thin sausage shapes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the kofta skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked.
- Serve hot with pita bread, yogurt sauce, and a side salad.
Tips
For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture. To ensure the kofta sticks to the skewers, press the meat firmly and chill for 15 minutes before grilling. You can also bake the kofta in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes if grilling is not an option.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, kofta can be made with lamb, beef, or even chicken. Adjust the spices accordingly to complement the meat.
- What can I serve with kofta? Serve kofta with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, hummus, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.
- How do I prevent the kofta from falling off the skewers? Press the meat mixture firmly onto the skewers and refrigerate for 15 minutes before grilling to help them hold their shape.
- Can I freeze kofta? Yes, you can freeze uncooked kofta skewers. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Conclusion
Kofta is a flavorful and juicy Middle Eastern dish that’s easy to make and perfect for grilling. With its aromatic blend of spices, this kofta recipe is sure to become a favorite for family dinners or summer cookouts. Serve with yogurt sauce and pita for a delicious, complete meal!
