Description
This Kofta recipe features spiced ground beef or lamb shaped onto skewers and cooked using either grilling or air frying methods. Infused with aromatic herbs and warm spices like cumin, sumac, and cinnamon, these juicy kebabs are perfect served with classic Mediterranean sides including tzatziki sauce, hummus, Greek salad, crumbled feta, and warm pita bread. The recipe yields flavorful, tender kebabs ideal for a communal meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Serving
- Tzatziki sauce
- Hummus
- Greek salad
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Warm pita bread
Instructions
- Prepare Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, sumac, black pepper, salt, allspice, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all spices and herbs.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up for easier shaping. It can be chilled overnight if preferred.
- Shape Kebabs: With damp hands, take approximately ½ cup portions of the chilled meat mixture and shape them into cylinder shapes around metal or wooden skewers. Ensure the mixture is evenly packed to prevent falling apart during cooking.
- Preheat Grill: Prepare your grill by oiling the grates to avoid sticking, then heat it to medium-high heat, ready for grilling the kebabs.
- Grill Kebabs: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly and cook through.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Alternatively, set your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Air Fry Kebabs: Carefully arrange several kebabs in the air fryer basket without overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation. Cook for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and browning.
- Serve: Remove the hot kofta kebabs from grill or air fryer and serve immediately on warm pita bread accompanied by tzatziki sauce, creamy hummus, fresh Greek salad, and a sprinkling of crumbled feta cheese for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- For easier handling, keep your hands damp when shaping the kofta to prevent sticking.
- The kofta mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight for enhanced flavor.
- If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- You can choose either grilling or air frying depending on available equipment and preferences.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; more sumac or cumin can add extra tang or warmth.
