Chicken kofta with yogurt sauce is a flavorful and satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired dish perfect for any occasion. The juicy and tender chicken kofta is seasoned with a blend of warm spices and herbs and is complemented perfectly by the cool and tangy yogurt sauce.
To make the chicken kofta, you will need ground chicken, kosher salt, pine nuts, a small yellow onion, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, ground cloves, sumac, nutmeg, paprika, and cumin. To top it all off, the yogurt sauce is effortless to make and adds a refreshing touch to the dish. All you need is plain yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, kosher salt, and minced parsley.
History of Chicken Kofta
Chicken kofta is a traditional Middle Eastern and South Asian dish that has been around for centuries. It is a popular dish that is made by mixing ground chicken with spices, herbs, and onions, and then shaping it into small balls. The balls are then grilled, baked, or fried until they are cooked through and golden brown.
The word “kofta” comes from the Persian word “kufteh,” which means “pounded meat.” The dish is believed to have originated in Persia and then spread to other parts of the Middle East and South Asia.
In India, chicken kofta is often served with a creamy yogurt sauce that is flavored with mint and cilantro. This sauce helps to balance out the spiciness of the kofta and adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
Over the years, chicken kofta has become a popular dish in many parts of the world. It continues to be a staple in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine and people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy it worldwide.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of ground chicken
- 3/4 cups of pine nuts
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1/4 cup of minced parsley
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of sumac
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
For the yogurt sauce:
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of minced parsley
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce?
Kofta Formation
- Lightly brown the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Combine toasted pine nuts, onion, and parsley in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly amalgamate the processed mixture with ground chicken, spices, and fresh parsley.
- Portion the kofta mixture into 3-tablespoon mounds and shape into elongated ovals.
Kofta Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place kofta in the hot skillet and cook until a golden crust forms, approximately 5 minutes per side.
- Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until kofta are cooked through about 10 minutes.
Yogurt Sauce Preparation
- Whisk together yogurt sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Refrigerate yogurt sauce until ready to serve.
Assembly
- Place cooked kofta on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with chilled yogurt sauce and garnish with sliced onions, pita bread, and quartered tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
There are plenty of accompaniment options to choose from. I love to serve it with a side of fluffy basmati rice and a fresh cucumber salad. The coolness of the cucumber salad pairs perfectly with the warm spices in the kofta, while the rice helps to soak up all of the delicious sauce.
If you’re looking for something a little bit more adventurous, consider serving your kofta with a side of homemade naan bread or pita. The bread will help to soak up all of the delicious flavors and make for a filling and satisfying meal.
Presentation Tips
A few simple tips can help take your chicken kofta with yogurt to the next level. First, consider serving it in a shallow bowl or on a large platter, rather than on a traditional plate. This will help to keep all of the ingredients together and make for a more visually appealing presentation.
You can also garnish your kofta with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley. Not only will this add a pop of color to your dish, but it will also help to enhance the flavor of the spices in the kofta.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 583kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 46g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 203mg
Sodium: 897mg
Potassium: 1525mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 426IU
Vitamin C: 22mg
Calcium: 123mg
Iron: 5mg
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Alternatives
If you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to cut back on meat, a few substitutions can create a delicious vegetarian version of chicken kofta. Instead of chicken, you can use minced mushrooms, tofu, or paneer. These alternatives will give the kofta a similar texture and flavor to the original recipe.
Sauce Variations
The yogurt sauce is an essential part of this chicken kofta, but you can always switch things up by adding different herbs or spices. For example, you can add fresh mint leaves or cilantro to the yogurt sauce to give it a refreshing taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
Another variation you can try is swapping the yogurt sauce for a tomato-based sauce. You can make a simple tomato sauce by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil, adding canned tomatoes, and seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This sauce pairs well with the kofta and adds a tangy flavor to the dish.
Pairing with Drinks
Mango Lassi – mango lassi is a traditional Indian drink that is perfect for pairing with chicken kofta. The sweet and tangy flavor of the drink complements the spices in the kofta and helps to cool down the heat.
Chilled Beer – if you’re looking for something a little stronger, a chilled beer is a great option. The beer’s crisp and refreshing taste helps to balance out the rich flavors of the kofta.
Iced Tea – for a non-alcoholic option, iced tea is a great choice. The subtle sweetness of the tea pairs well with the spices in the kofta and helps to cleanse the palate between bites.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about chicken kofta with yogurt sauce as much as I did! Throughout my research and experimentation, I discovered that this dish is not only delicious but also easy to make.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this recipe is its versatility. You can add your spin to the kofta by using different spices or herbs, and the yogurt sauce can be adjusted to your liking as well. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more protein into your diet.
Overall, I highly recommend giving chicken kofta with yogurt sauce a try. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Did you know? Pita bread is the traditional accompaniment for kofta dishes
Get its recipe now (by clicking the image below):
