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A Journey to the Middle East: Easy Beef Kofta Kebabs

Every bite of a well-crafted dish has a story to tell, a journey that transcends borders and time. Today, we will trace the path of one such magical recipe - these Middle Eastern-inspired, easy Beef Kofta Kebabs. This delicious concoction has passed through countless hands, each contributing a pinch of spice, a dash of culture, and a generous amount of love.  Originating from the heart of the Middle East, Kofta is a term used across Central Asia and the Mediterranean to describe a variety of dishes that incorporate ground or minced meat. The Arabic word 'kuftan' means 'to grind', which is the essential process in creating these flavorful skewers.  Every region has its unique take on Kofta, transforming the humble ingredients with local spices and cooking methods. The version we are exploring today - the Beef Kofta Kebabs - is an ode to the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East, showcasing the region's aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a tradition of communal eating that promotes a sense of togetherness. The complexity of flavors in Beef Kofta Kebabs lies in the interplay of the spices. Cumin, with its earthy base notes, mingles beautifully with the lemony coriander. Cinnamon and allspice bring a touch of warmth and sweet undertones. The inclusion of fresh parsley and cilantro adds a crisp, green, peppery flavor that lifts the entire dish. These spices are not just packed with flavor, they offer a range of health benefits too.  Cumin, for instance, is known for its digestive properties and is packed with iron. Coriander has been found to lower blood sugar and improve heart health, while cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant. Turmeric, with its vibrant golden hue, has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. This beautiful symphony of flavors and benefits is testament to the philosophy that good food and good health go hand in hand.  In our version of super easy Beef Kofta Kebabs, we pair these juicy skewers with a tangy yogurt sauce, rich in probiotics, promoting gut health. Served on warm pita bread with a garnish of fresh vegetables, this is a well-rounded meal that's as satisfying and wholesome as it is delicious.  The process of creating these kebabs is a dance between tradition and personal flair. As you combine the meat with a medley of spices, shape them onto skewers, and grill them to perfection, you're not just preparing a meal. You're connecting with a time-honored culinary tradition that values nourishment, pleasure, and community.  So, gather your ingredients, warm up your grill, and get ready to embark on an exquisite culinary journey with the Beef Kofta Kebabs. It's a recipe that carries whispers of ancient spice routes, bustling marketplaces, and festive family gatherings. As you take a bite, close your eyes and allow the flavors to transport you to the heart of the Middle East, one delicious morsel at a time. Enjoy! Looking for more balanced meals like this one? Head over to a full page of well-balanced, flavor-packed recipes.
Editor's Note: This blog post, recipe, and accompanying images were generated by one or more generative artificial intelligence tools and was fact-checked and / or lightly edited for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure the final recipe is appropriate for general human consumption. 
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

In our version of Beef Kofta Kebabs, we pair these juicy skewers with a tangy yogurt sauce and served on warm pita bread.

Ingredients
    For the Kofta Kebabs:
  • 1 lb beef (preferably leanabout 1.5 pounds or 680 grams total)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • wooden or metal skewers
    • For the Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • fresh mint leaves (finely chopped)
  • salt & pepper (to taste)
    • For serving:
  • 4 to 6 warm pita bread
  • fresh tomatoes (cubed)
  • fresh mint and parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
  1. 1

    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

  3. 3

    Divide the mixture into equal portions, about the size of a small lemon. Mold each portion around the top end of a skewer, forming a sausage-like shape. Make sure the meat is spread to an even thickness.

  4. 4

    Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the kebabs on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are browned and the kebabs are cooked through.

  5. 5

    While the kebabs are cooking, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the fresh mint.

  6. 6

    To serve, warm the pita bread on the grill for about a minute on each side. Place a kofta kebab on each pita, then top with the yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables. Wrap the pita around the kebab and enjoy!

  7. 7

    Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Note

Some tips to ensure that your beef kebabs are juicy and flavorful:

 

  1. Choose the Right Meat: Opt for ground beef that has a bit of fat. Lean ground beef is good, but remember that fat equals flavor. A good choice would be 85% lean/15% fat.
  2. Don't Overmix the Meat: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense kebabs. Mix the ingredients until just combined for the best texture.
  3. Don't Pack the Meat Too Tightly: When shaping the kebabs around the skewers, don't pack the meat too tightly. You want it to hold together, but a looser pack will result in a juicier, more tender kebab.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated before you add the kebabs. A hot grill will quickly sear the outside of the kebab, trapping the juices inside.
  5. Don't Overcook: Overcooking will dry out your kebabs. For juicy kebabs, cook until they're just done, around 10-12 minutes. If you're unsure, you can use a meat thermometer - ground meat should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
  6. Rest the Kebabs: Allow the kebabs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the kebab.
Keywords: middle eastern dishes, kebab, beef kebab, grilled beef
Read it online: https://pinchofai.com/recipe/a-journey-to-the-middle-east-easy-beef-kofta-kebabs/
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