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Kofta Kebab with Tzatziki and Pita Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

This delicious Kofta Kebab recipe features flavorful lean ground beef mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, skewered and grilled to perfection. Served alongside a refreshing tomato and olive salad, creamy homemade tzatziki, and warm fluffy pita bread, this dish offers a perfect balance of vibrant Mediterranean flavors ideal for a delightful lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Kofta

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, grated and excess juice squeezed out
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup minced pitted green olives (Castelvetrano)
  • 9 short wooden skewers

For the Tomato Salad

  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

To Serve

  • Pitas (preferably homemade fluffy pita bread)
  • Fresh mint
  • Fresh dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef with grated onion (after squeezing out excess juice), minced garlic, finely chopped fresh mint and parsley, cumin, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and the minced Castelvetrano olives. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  2. Shape and Skewer Kofta: Divide the meat mixture evenly and form into elongated sausage shapes around the short wooden skewers, packing tightly to hold shape during cooking.
  3. Cook the Kofta Kebabs: Grill the skewers over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even charring and doneness. Alternatively, cook on a preheated grill pan over the stovetop if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
  4. Make the Tomato Salad: In a bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, pitted olives, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Prepare the Tzatziki: In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt with fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, grated cucumber (after squeezing out excess liquid), and olive oil. Stir well to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
  6. Warm the Pitas: Heat the pita bread briefly on a grill or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
  7. Serve: Plate the kofta kebabs with tomato salad and a generous dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with fresh mint and dill, and serve alongside warm pitas for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.

Notes

  • For best results, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning during grilling.
  • If grilling isn’t available, the kofta can be cooked under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
  • Adjust salt and spices according to personal preference.
  • The tzatziki can be made a few hours in advance to allow flavors to develop even more.
  • Homemade pita bread enhances the dish but store-bought pita can be used for convenience.
  • Fresh herbs are essential to achieve authentic flavor; avoiding dried substitutes is recommended.

Keywords: Kofta Kebabs, Tzatziki, Mediterranean, Grilled Beef, Pita Bread, Tomato Salad, Middle Eastern Recipe

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/kofta-kebab-with-tzatziki-and-pita-recipe/