Kofta is a popular dish in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. It typically consists of ground or minced meat (such as beef, lamb, chicken, or pork) or even vegetables, mixed with various spices, herbs, and sometimes breadcrumbs or rice. The mixture is then shaped into small balls or patties and cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, or simmering in a sauce.
Kofta
4
servings30
minutes15
minutesKofta can be prepared in numerous ways, and the specific ingredients and seasonings can vary widely based on regional and cultural preferences.
Ingredients
- For the Kofta:
1 pound (450g) ground lamb (you can also use a mixture of lamb and beef)
1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
- For the Tomato Sauce:
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper).
- Optionally, add breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture if it’s too loose. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed.
- Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a small amount of the kofta mixture and shape it into small, oval-shaped patties or balls. You can make them as big or as small as you like.
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
- Place the kofta in the pan and cook them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 8-10 minutes. You can also grill them if you prefer.
- In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato puree and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Arrange the cooked kofta on a serving platter.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the kofta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
