Description
This recipe features juicy Lebanese beef kofta grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing cool mint yogurt sauce. The kofta is seasoned with a blend of fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, delivering authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Accompanied by a tangy mint sauce, this dish is perfect as a flavorful appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Kofta
- 500 g round beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cool Mint Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Shape Kofta: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer into a sausage-like form, ensuring they are compact and uniform for even cooking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush each kofta skewer with olive oil to help with grilling and to enhance browning and flavor.
- Grill Kofta: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the kofta skewers for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are browned on the outside and cooked thoroughly on the inside.
- Prepare Mint Sauce: While the kofta is grilling, whisk together the plain yogurt, chopped fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl until well combined and smooth.
- Rest the Kofta: Once cooked, remove the kofta from the heat and allow them to rest for 2 minutes. This helps retain the juices and finish cooking evenly.
- Serve: Serve the juicy Lebanese beef kofta hot with the cool mint yogurt sauce alongside warm pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with ground lamb for a more traditional flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add some finely chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep kofta tender.
- If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can also broil or pan-fry the kofta until cooked through.
- Remove the skewers before serving to avoid choking hazards, especially for children.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Keywords: Lebanese beef kofta, grilled kofta, mint yogurt sauce, Middle Eastern recipes, grilled beef skewers
