**Kifta: A Journey Through Middle Eastern Culinary Delights**
Kifta, also known as kefta or kofta, is a versatile Middle Eastern dish that embodies the region's rich culinary heritage. This delectable minced meat preparation takes center stage in an array of recipes, each offering unique flavor profiles and cooking techniques. From the smoky allure of grilled kofta kebabs to the comforting warmth of kifta bil sayniyeh, this article presents a tantalizing exploration of kifta recipes that cater to diverse palates. Discover the intricate blend of spices, the tender texture of the minced meat, and the aromatic herbs that make each kifta dish a culinary masterpiece. Whether you prefer the simplicity of pan-fried kofta or the layered richness of kifta bil batata, this comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and essential tips to ensure your kifta creations are bursting with flavor and authenticity. Embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the delightful world of kifta, a dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
KIFTA AND POTATOES WITH TAHINI SAUCE
One of my Middle Eastern husband's favorite meals. Serve with pita bread to dip in the tahini sauce.
Provided by leggett
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Lamb Ground
Time 1h5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Combine lamb, onion, parsley, salt, allspice, and pepper in a large bowl. Roll meat into 2 1/2-inch long pieces and arrange in a baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- While meat is cooking, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add potatoes; fry until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with salt.
- Remove lamb from the oven; drain and discard any fat from meat. Leave oven on.
- Combine garlic, lemon juice, water, tahini, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Set tahini sauce aside.
- Arrange potatoes on top of lamb in the baking dish and pour tahini sauce on top. Drizzle with olive oil. Return the baking pan to the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven until lamb is no longer pink and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 150 degrees F (65 degrees C), about 30 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 719.8 calories, Carbohydrate 62.2 g, Cholesterol 75.9 mg, Fat 42.1 g, Fiber 12.1 g, Protein 31.1 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 1470.6 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
KIFTA
Kind of like the Arab version of meatloaf... This is one of the most common Arabic recipes, that no Arab home is unfamiliar with! Goes great with garden salad. Enjoy!!
Provided by Aida
Categories World Cuisine Recipes African
Time 1h20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place potato slices in a thin layer, and fry just until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon, and set aside on paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, minced onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and cumin. Press flat into a 7x11 inch baking dish. Arrange potato slices over the meat in an even layer. Place tomato slices over the potato. Top with slices of onion. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the aluminum foil from the top, and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, or until browned.
- While the kifta is cooking, combine the rice and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. When kifta is done, cut into squares and serve over rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1625.6 calories, Carbohydrate 98 g, Cholesterol 136.3 mg, Fat 116.8 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 45.5 g, SaturatedFat 24.1 g, Sodium 985 mg, Sugar 3.9 g
Tips for Making the Perfect Kifta:
- Use high-quality meat: The quality of the meat you use will greatly affect the taste of your kifta. Choose lean ground beef or lamb that is fresh and has a good fat content.
- Season the meat well: Kifta is a flavorful dish, so don't be afraid to season the meat generously. Use a combination of spices, such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix the meat thoroughly: Once you have seasoned the meat, mix it thoroughly so that the spices are evenly distributed. This will help to ensure that each bite of kifta is flavorful.
- Form the meat into balls or patties: You can form the meat into balls or patties, depending on your preference. If you are making balls, roll the meat into 1-inch balls. If you are making patties, form the meat into 1/2-inch thick patties.
- Cook the kifta over medium heat: Cook the kifta over medium heat so that it has a chance to cook through without burning. Cook the balls or patties for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
- Serve the kifta with your favorite sides: Kifta can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, vegetables, or pita bread.
Conclusion:
Kifta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover meat, and it can be easily customized to your own taste. Whether you are making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, kifta is sure to be a hit.
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