Kofta Kebab Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb or ground beef (or use a 50/50 mix)
• 1 small onion (finely grated or minced (squeeze out excess moisture))
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ¼ tsp chili flakes or minced fresh chili (for a bit of heat - see Mike's Recipe Tips)
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (for binding)
• Olive oil (for brushing)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, and the spices. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Don’t overmix or the kofta can become mealy.

2. 2

   Lightly wet your hands and shape the meat mixture into small logs or oval-shaped patties. Thread onto skewers if grilling (metal or soaked wooden). You can also form patties or meatballs.

3. 3

   Chill (Optional but Recommended). Let the skewers chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.

4. 4

   Grill Method. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush kofta lightly with olive oil. Grill 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned.

5. 5

   Stovetop Method. Heat a cast iron pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook 4-5 minutes per side.

6. 6

   Broiler Method. Place on a foil-lined tray and broil 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

7. 7

   Serve hot with pita bread, sliced onions, fresh herbs, yogurt sauce or tahini sauce, and lemon wedges.