🥩 Beef Kofta with Spiced Rice and Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Juicy, spiced ground beef skewers served with aromatic rice and a cool garlic-yogurt sauce—Middle Eastern comfort food in a balanced bowl.

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🧑‍🍳 Overview

• Difficulty: Medium
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 2–3
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

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📝 Ingredients

For the Kofta:

• 300g (10 oz) ground beef (or lamb, or a mix)
• 1/2 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil for cooking

For the Spiced Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 3/4 cups water or broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt to taste

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped mint or parsley
• Pomegranate seeds
• Toasted pine nuts

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Kofta

• In a bowl, mix all kofta ingredients until just combined.
• Shape into small oval logs or patties (about 6–8).
• Chill for 10 minutes while rice cooks.

2. Cook the Rice

• In a pot, heat oil or butter, add spices and stir for 30 seconds.
• Add rice and toast briefly, then pour in water or broth and a pinch of salt.

• Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

3. Cook the Kofta

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Cook koftas for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

4. Make the Garlic Yogurt

• Stir together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Chill.

5. Assemble & Serve

• Spoon rice into bowls, top with kofta, drizzle with yogurt sauce.
• Garnish with herbs, pomegranate seeds, or pine nuts if using.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Want it spicier? Add chili flakes or cayenne to the kofta mix.
• Add grilled veggies or a tomato-cucumber salad on the side.
• Use skewers for grilling if you’re cooking outdoors.

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🍽️ Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~550
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g

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🛠️ Must-Have Tool

For evenly shaped kofta…

🍢 Metal or Bamboo Skewers (for grilling or pan cooking)

👉 Get them on Amazon

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⚠️ Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

AI CULINARY ARTS is reader-supported. Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. 🍽️🔥

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📂 Categories

• Main Categories: Meat, Dinner
• Additional Tags:
  • Middle Eastern
  • High-Protein
  • Meal Prep
  • Comfort Food
  • Gluten-Free
  • One-Bowl Meals