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Spiced Beef Kofta with Fresh Salad and Pita

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  • Author: Emma Delaney
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Juicy Middle Eastern spiced beef kofta served with fresh chopped salad, warm pita bread, and optional tahini sauce. A flavorful, satisfying dish ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Warm pita bread
  • Tahini sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all kofta ingredients. Mix with your hands until fully incorporated. Shape into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  3. While the kofta cooks, assemble the salad: combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and herbs in a bowl.
  4. Warm the pita bread in a pan or oven.
  5. Serve kofta on a plate with salad and pita. Drizzle with tahini sauce if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, let the kofta mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • You can grill the kofta instead of pan-frying for a smokier taste.
  • Use whole-wheat pita for a healthier option.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the salad before serving for added brightness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (kofta, salad, pita)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg