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Savory Beef Kofta Recipe with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for juicy, spiced beef kofta served with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish combines bold flavors with comforting textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate half a cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a fine mesh strainer or clean kitchen towel. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate.
  2. Mix the Kofta Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add beaten egg and breadcrumbs if using. Mix gently but thoroughly until combined.
  3. Shape the Kofta: Wet hands with cold water. Take about 2 tablespoons (30g) of mixture and shape into small logs or oval meatballs about 2 inches (5 cm) long. Place on a plate or tray.
  4. Cook the Kofta: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook kofta for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F/71°C). Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Drain excess moisture if necessary.
  5. Serve: Arrange kofta on a platter and spoon creamy tzatziki sauce over or serve on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Squeeze excess water from cucumber to avoid watery tzatziki. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Avoid overmixing meat to keep kofta tender. Shape with wet hands to prevent sticking. Cook on medium-high heat for a good sear without burning. Do not overcrowd pan. Kofta mixture can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef kofta, tzatziki sauce, savory meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, creamy sauce

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/savory-beef-kofta-recipe-with-creamy-tzatziki-sauce-easy-and-perfect/