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Egyptian Kofta Kebab

Juicy Egyptian Kofta Kebab: Easy to Make and Customize

This juicy Egyptian Kofta Kebab recipe is quick, customizable, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 kebabs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Kofta
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb Choose meat with about 20% fat for juicy kebabs.
  • 1 medium Onion Grate and drain to avoid excess moisture.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Can swap for mint for a refreshing twist.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro Optional.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adjust according to preference.
  • 1-2 each Green Chilies Include for a spicy kick.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Essential for Mediterranean flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Adds subtle sweetness.
  • ¼ teaspoon Allspice Enhances the kebab's complexity.
  • ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon Rounds out the spices.
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika Provides color and mild sweetness.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • ½ cup Breadcrumbs Optional binder.
  • 1 each Egg Optional; helps bind the mixture.
For the Tahini Sauce
  • ½ cup Tahini Paste A creamy base for the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
  • ¼ cup Water Adjust for desired consistency.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • mixing bowl
  • skewers
  • spatula
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by grating a medium onion and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess liquid.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained onion with the ground beef or lamb, fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and all the spices.
  3. Using your hands, knead the mixture for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes sticky and cohesive.
  4. If using breadcrumbs and/or an egg, mix them into the meat mixture now.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
  7. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape it onto the soaked skewers into elongated shapes.
  8. With wet hands, gently smooth the surface of the kebabs.
  9. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook kebabs for approximately 8–10 minutes, turning frequently.
  10. Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
  11. While the kebabs rest, whisk together tahini paste, lemon juice, and water until desired consistency is reached.
  12. Lightly heat pita or flatbreads in a skillet or on the grill for about 1-2 minutes.
  13. Assemble by placing kebabs on warm bread, topping with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.
  14. Serve with lemon wedges to brighten the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1kebabCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best taste, always use fresh ingredients and allow the meat mixture to rest before cooking.

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