**Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki: A Culinary Delight from the Mediterranean**
The tantalizing aromas of grilled kofta kebabs, infused with a blend of aromatic spices, fill the air, beckoning you to indulge in a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. These succulent kebabs, crafted from a mixture of minced lamb and beef, are skillfully seasoned with a symphony of flavors, including cumin, coriander, and paprika, creating a harmonious balance of savory and aromatic notes. Accompanying these delectable kebabs is a refreshing tzatziki sauce, a cool and creamy cucumber-yogurt dip, seasoned with garlic, dill, and a hint of lemon, providing a perfect complement to the richness of the kebabs. This article offers a detailed guide to preparing these delectable kofta kebabs and their refreshing tzatziki accompaniment, ensuring a delightful culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Mediterranean.
KOFTA KEBABS
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 4h15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 35
Steps:
- For the tzatziki sauce: Strain Greek yogurt through a paper-towel lined colander and let sit for 3 hours to thicken, refrigerated.
- Fold the yogurt with cucumbers, fresh lemon juice, mint, crushed garlic cloves, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- For the harissa sauce: Char red bell peppers over an open flame, then remove seeds and clean the skin.
- Boil Fresno chiles in salted water in a pot on medium heat until the vegetables start to soften. Drain, then deseed and remove the membranes of the chiles.
- Toast cumin seeds, coriander and caraway seeds in a skillet until fragrant. Crush the toasted spices in a spice grinder with mint and salt until finely ground.
- Blend the spice mixture with the roasted red bell peppers, Fresno chiles, vegetable oil, garlic and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle in olive oil while blending.
- For the tahini sauce: Blend tahini, water, lemon juice, salt and garlic.
- For the kebabs: Mix ground beef, allspice, nutmeg, salt, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, garlic, onion and parsley in a bowl by hand, then refrigerate overnight.
- Form the mixture into 4 to 6 balls, then put each on a metal skewer. Lengthen the meat into elongated kebab shapes and grill over medium heat, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Warm the pita with a little butter and swipe with the tzatziki sauce. Top with the kebab, then squirt with tahini sauce and harissa sauce.
KOFTA KEBABS
These kebabs have 6 different kinds of spices; the first time I smelled them I knew immediately that I had to find the recipe. The most affordable way to purchase the spices is in bulk at either a health food store or an Asian or Middle-Eastern market. They are very good! Serve with yogurt, flat bread, lettuce, tomato and cucumber.
Provided by SRKELZ
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Lamb Ground
Time 1h20m
Yield 28
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Mash the garlic into a paste with the salt using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef's knife on your cutting board. Mix the garlic into the lamb along with the onion, parsley, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, ginger, and pepper in a mixing bowl until well blended. Form the mixture into 28 balls. Form each ball around the tip of a skewer, flattening into a 2 inch oval; repeat with the remaining skewers. Place the kebabs onto a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil grate.
- Cook the skewers on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until the lamb has cooked to your desired degree of doneness, about 6 minutes for medium.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 34.6 calories, Carbohydrate 0.6 g, Cholesterol 10.8 mg, Fat 2.3 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 78.2 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use ground lamb or beef that is at least 80% lean.
- If you don't have a meat grinder, you can purchase ground lamb or beef from the butcher.
- To make the kofta kebabs more moist, add a little bit of bread crumbs or grated onion to the meat mixture.
- Be sure to season the meat mixture well with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- If you don't have wooden skewers, you can use metal skewers or even toothpicks.
- To prevent the kofta kebabs from sticking to the grill, brush them with a little bit of oil before cooking.
- Cook the kofta kebabs over medium heat until they are cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
- Serve the kofta kebabs with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a salad.
Conclusion:
Kofta kebabs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer cookout or party. They can be made with a variety of different meats, and they can be grilled, baked, or fried. Serve them with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a salad for a complete meal.
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