Beef kofta with tzatziki sauce for dinner is a delicious and healthy meal perfect for any night of the week. The combination of the juicy beef kofta and the tangy tzatziki sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.
To make the beef kofta, you’ll need some ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon or allspice (optional), salt, and pepper. Simply mix all of the ingredients in a bowl, form the mixture into small patties, and grill them until they’re cooked through. You can serve the kofta on flatbread with sliced vegetables like tomato, cucumber, and onion for a complete meal.
The tzatziki sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the beef kofta. You’ll need some plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, mint or dill, and salt to make it. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and chill until ready to serve—the cool and creamy tzatziki sauce pairs perfectly with the warm and juicy beef kofta.
What Is Beef Kofta?
Beef kofta is a Middle Eastern dish made of ground beef, herbs, and spices. The mixture is then shaped into small, cylindrical meatballs and grilled on a BBQ or in an oven.
One of the best things about beef kofta is it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even use it as a topping for salads. It’s a great way to add some protein to your meal and it’s also a great option for those who are looking for a low-carb, high-protein dish.
Ingredients:
For Kofta:
- 1 ½ lbs of lean ground beef
- ½ small onion, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves of garlic
- ⅓ cup of parsley
- 2 tsp of ground cumin
- 2 tsp of ground coriander
- ¼ tsp of cinnamon or allspice (optional)
- 1 ¼ tsp of salt
- ½ tsp of black pepper
- Olive oil for brushing the grill
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup of grated and squeezed dry cucumber
- 1 clove of grated garlic
- 1 tsp of lemon juice
- 1 tsp of fresh mint or dill (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
- A pinch of kosher salt
How to Make Beef Kofta with Tzatziki:
- By using a food processor or a sharp knife, mince the onion, garlic, and parsley until they reach a very fine consistency.
- Combine the chopped aromatics with the ground beef and all the spices in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, gently yet thoroughly incorporate all ingredients until a homogeneous mixture is achieved.
- Divide the kofta mixture into eight equal portions. Form each portion into an oblong shape, resembling a plump oval. If using wooden skewers, pre-soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Gently mold each oval around a skewer, ensuring the pointed tip is completely covered.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the cooking surface with olive oil to prevent sticking. Sear the kebabs for approximately 10 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking. The desired outcome is a beautifully browned exterior with a fully cooked interior.
- While the kebabs cook, follow a separate recipe to prepare the tzatziki sauce. Ideally, the sauce should be chilled before serving.
- Arrange the cooked kebabs on a serving platter. For a delightful accompaniment, serve alongside the tzatziki sauce, warm flatbread, and a selection of sliced vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and onion.
Serving Suggestions
Accompanying Dishes
There are a lot of great options for accompanying this dish. One classic choice is to serve it with rice pilaf or couscous. The grains add a nice texture contrast to the meat, and the flavors complement each other well.
If you’re looking for something a little more colorful, try serving the kofta with a side salad. A simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese is a great choice. Or, if you want something more substantial, a roasted vegetable medley would be perfect.
Presentation Tips
Consider using a decorative platter or serving dish. This will make the dish look more special and give it a sense of occasion.
Next, think about how you arrange the kofta on the platter. I like to arrange them in a circular pattern, with the tzatziki in the center. This not only looks great, but it also makes it easy for guests to serve themselves.
Finally, don’t forget about garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, can add a pop of color and flavor to the dish. You could also add a few slices of lemon or lime for a citrusy twist.
Nutritional Information
The following applies for 1 serving of 2 beef koftas with tzatziki sauce:
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 76mg
Sodium: 579mg
Potassium: 435mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 324IU
Vitamin C: 7mg
Calcium: 79mg
Iron: 3mg
Storing and Reheating
Storing
To store beef kofta, I usually place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, I put them in the refrigerator and they can last for up to 3 days. If I want to store them for longer, I freeze them. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat my beef kofta, I usually use the oven or the microwave. Here’s how:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the beef kofta on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the beef kofta on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
I always ensure that the beef kofta is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating. This ensures that the beef kofta is safe to eat with no bacteria.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Instead of using beef, try using ground lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice blends to create unique flavor combinations. Try adding cumin, coriander, or paprika to the meat mixture for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Tzatziki: While traditional tzatziki is made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, there are plenty of ways to switch it up. Try using sour cream or labneh instead of yogurt, or adding fresh herbs like dill or mint for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This is a delicious dish on its own, but there are plenty of ways to serve it up. Try wrapping the kofta in pita bread with fresh veggies and hummus for a tasty sandwich, or serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
Conclusion
I had a great time cooking this recipe for beef kofta with tzatziki. The flavors were bold and delicious, and I can’t wait to make it again for my friends and family.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this recipe was how easy it was to make. The kofta came together quickly and cooked up in no time, and the tzatziki was a breeze to whip up as well. This would be a perfect meal to make on a busy weeknight when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s a great way to change your usual dinner and try something new and fun. Plus, the leftovers make for a tasty lunch the next day!
Are you still hungry? Add saffron rice with pine nuts and raising!
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