Beef Kofta with Tahini Sauce

A kofta is a Middle Eastern preparation for spiced ground meat shaped into a meatball or small meatloaf. Traditionally it is made with ground lamb or beef, but if desired you can use ground chicken to reduce the calories and fat. The addition of mint and cilantro, along with a dash of cinnamon, gives this dish its distinct flavour. To prepare the kofta, you roll the meat mixture into oval shapes, slide them onto skewers (optional) and then grill or bake them. Kofta goes well with homemade tahini sauce and diced vegetables. I love to serve it with warmed naan bread or a soft bun.

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Soak eight 6-inch wooden skewers in water or set aside 8 metal skewers (if using). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with vegetable oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, cinnamon, eggs, breadcrumbs, mint, cilantro, and salt and pepper (use your hands to make sure all of the ingredients are evenly distributed).
3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form into oval shapes. If using skewers, slide 1 portion lengthwise onto each skewer.
4. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the koftas on each side for 2 minutes, until browned all over.
5. Transfer the browned kofta to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or just until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
6. Make the tahini sauce: Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sesame oil, soy sauce and tahini paste. (If too thick, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.)
7. Make the garnish: In a bowl, combine the tomatoes and cucumber.
8. Serve koftas with the tahini sauce and garnish. If using naan bread, grill for 2 minutes per side, until lightly toasted, then cut into triangles and serve alongside koftas.

INGREDIENTS
KOFTA
1 1/2 lb lean ground beef, lamb or chicken
1/2 cup minced onion
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 cup unseasoned dry breadcrumbs
3 Tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Salt and pepper
TAHINI SAUCE
2 Tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 Tbsp reduced-fat sour cream
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tsp tahini paste
GARNISH
1/2 cup diced seeded tomatoes
1/2 cup diced English cucumber (unpeeled) (optional)
Naan bread or soft roll (optional)

NOTES
Makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories 377
Carbohydrates 11 g
Fibre 1 g
Protein 39 g
Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Cholesterol 189 mg
Sodium 384 mg

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
LinkedIn