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Kofte Kebabs Recipe

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4.7 from 136 reviews

Delicious and flavorful Kofte Kebabs made with seasoned minced meat, infused with aromatic spices and herbs, grilled to perfection. These kebabs make a perfect savory meal paired with fresh sides like lavash bread, tzatziki sauce, and a crisp vegetable salad.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 500 g minced meat (lamb, beef, or a mix)
  • 1 small onion (finely grated or minced)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 5 tsp black pepper
  • 5 tsp ground cumin
  • 5 tsp ground coriander
  • 5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley or cilantro
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Skewers (metal or wooden, soaked in water)
  • Optional: 25 tsp cayenne pepper (for added heat)

Serving Suggestions

  • Lavash bread
  • Fresh tzatziki sauce
  • Vegetable salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, parsley, dressed with olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mince: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with finely grated or minced onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Add finely chopped parsley or cilantro along with olive oil. Knead the mixture thoroughly with your hands until it becomes sticky and well-combined, ensuring the spices and herbs are evenly distributed.
  2. Shape the Kebabs: Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. Take each portion and shape it into a long sausage-like form, then gently press it firmly onto soaked skewers to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
  3. Cook the Kebabs: Preheat your grill, barbecue, or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the kebabs on the heat source and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them frequently to ensure they brown evenly on all sides and cook through without burning.
  4. Serving: Serve the kebabs hot, ideally accompanied with warm lavash bread, fresh tzatziki sauce, and a crisp vegetable salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley dressed with olive oil for a refreshing contrast.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
  • Using a mixture of lamb and beef provides a richer flavor and juicier kebab.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well as an alternative.
  • Make sure to turn the kebabs frequently for even cooking and to avoid charring.