Baked kofta with tahini sauce is ש Middle Eastern-inspired dish that is packed with flavor and perfect for a hearty dinner. The dish consists of juicy meatballs made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with onions, parsley, and seven spices, and then baked to perfection.
But what sets this dish apart is the tahini sauce. Made with tahini, lemon juice, Roma tomatoes, potatoes, and a variety of spices, this sauce is the perfect complement to the savory meatballs. The sauce is creamy and tangy with a hint of sweetness, making it an ideal balance to the spiciness of the meatballs.
To make this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including tahini, lemon juice, Roma tomatoes, potatoes, ground beef or lamb, onions, parsley, and a variety of spices. Once you have everything you need, making the meatballs and the sauce is a relatively simple process. I love that this dish is both delicious and easy to make, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.
What Is Baked Kofta?
Baked kofta is a Middle Eastern dish made with ground meat, spices, and herbs. The word “kofta” comes from the Persian word “kufteh,” which means pounded meat. Traditionally, kofta is shaped into small meatballs or patties and then grilled or fried. However, baking the kofta is a healthier and easier alternative that still delivers delicious flavor.
One of the advantages of baking kofta is that it requires less oil than frying or grilling, making it a healthier option. Additionally, baking allows the meat to cook evenly and retain its moisture, resulting in tender and juicy kofta.
Baked kofta is often served with a variety of sauces and dips, such as tahini sauce, tzatziki, or hummus. These sauces complement the flavors of the kofta and add a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
Ingredients:
For the tahini sauce:
- 8 tbsp of tahini
- 1 medium juiced lemon
- 1 medium potato
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes
- 10 tbsp of water
- Cumin, salt, ground black pepper
For the kofta:
- 1/2 lb of ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup of parsley
- 1/2 small onion
- 2 tsp of 7-spice
How to Make Baked Kofta with Tahini Sauce?
Finely mince the onion and parsley in a food processor. Add the ground meat and spices to the food processor and pulse until well combined and cohesive, resembling a dough.
Form the mixture into uniform balls and arrange them in a single layer within a baking dish.
Thinly slice the tomato and potato. Sauté the potato slices in a skillet with sunflower oil until partially cooked.
Add the sliced tomato and par-cooked potato slices to the baking dish with the kofta balls.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, lemon juice, and spices until a smooth sauce is achieved. Adjust the consistency with additional water if desired, aiming for a pourable but slightly thickened sauce.
Pour the tahini sauce evenly over the kofta and vegetables in the baking dish. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the kofta are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. For a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Serve the baked kofta hot, alongside your favorite accompaniments. Refrigerate any leftovers for future enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Some of my favorite accompaniments include:
- Pita bread: Warm up some pita bread and serve it alongside your kofta for a classic combination.
- Hummus: A side of hummus is the perfect complement to the flavors in this dish.
- Tabbouleh: A light and refreshing tabbouleh salad can help balance out the richness of the kofta.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers make for a colorful and flavorful side dish.
Presentation Tips
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top of the dish for a pop of color.
- Serve family-style: Arrange the kofta on a platter and drizzle the tahini sauce over the top. This makes for a beautiful presentation and allows everyone to serve themselves.
- Use a colorful plate: Serve the kofta on a brightly colored plate to make the dish stand out even more.
- Pair with a drink: A refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade can help balance out the flavors in the dish and make for a complete meal.
With these accompaniments and presentation tips, you can take your baked kofta to the next level and impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious meal.
Storing and Reheating
After enjoying this dish, you might have some leftovers you want to store for later. Here are some tips to ensure that your leftovers stay fresh and flavorful:
- Store the kofta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This will prevent the sauce from making the kofta soggy and keep them both fresh for longer.
- When reheating, it’s best to do so in the oven or on the stovetop. Microwaving can make the kofta rubbery and the sauce separate.
- To reheat the kofta, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- To reheat the tahini sauce, gently warm it in a saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- If the sauce is too thick after being refrigerated, add a splash of water or lemon juice and whisk until the desired consistency is reached.
Tips and Tricks
When making this recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can help make the dish even more delicious. Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley and mint to the kofta mixture can give it a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
- Don’t overmix the kofta: When mixing the kofta ingredients, be careful not to overmix the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough, dry kofta.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your kofta is cooked through but still juicy, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The temperature should reach 165°F.
- Let the kofta rest: After baking the kofta, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed and results in a more flavorful, tender kofta.
- Make extra sauce: The tahini sauce is so delicious, that you’ll want to have extra to drizzle over everything. Consider doubling the recipe so you have plenty of sauce to go around.
Conclusion
In writing this recipe, I have learned that baked kofta with tahini sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of ground beef, spices, and tahini sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the spices and seasonings to suit your taste, and the tahini sauce can be adjusted to be more or less tangy depending on your preference.
Another great thing about it is that it is relatively healthy compared to other meat-based dishes. By using lean ground beef and incorporating plenty of vegetables, you can create a nutritious meal that is both satisfying and good for you.
Overall, I highly recommend giving baked kofta with tahini sauce a try. Whether you are cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, this dish is sure to please.
As a side note, baba ganoush with chickpeas accompanies this dish perfectly.
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