Lamb and Beef Kofta with Garlic Tahini Sauce Recipe

Lamb and Beef Kofta with Garlic Tahini Sauce

There are many different ways of making kofta, this one is a mixture of lamb and beef with fresh herbs and a Middle Eastern spice profile. The meat mixture can be placed on skewers for grilling, pan seared, or even baked in the oven. I happened to make little flattened oval shapes for easier grilling but you could just as easily form these into meatballs for baking. The tahini sauce is just a few ingredients but adds so much flavor. I like to serve these with a big Greek-style salad and use the tahini sauce as the dressing.

Makes: 6 servings

Kofta with Garlic Tahini Sauce

Prep time:

Total time:

Ingredients:
    Tahini Sauce
  • 3/4 cup tahini
  • 6 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • Kofta
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup finely minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

Directions:
  1. In a blender or food processor mix all tahini sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust to desired thickness with additional water or lemon juice. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl combine all kofta ingredients; mix throughly but don't overwork.
  3. Divide into 18 even portions. Form each in to an oval or football like shape and flatten slightly.
  4. If grilling outside thread 2 or 3 on skewers (soak bamboo skewer for at least 20 minutes before grilling). Heat grill to medium and cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  5. If cooking on the stove top in a skillet or grill pan, heat pan over medium to medium-high heat and cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  6. If cooking in the oven, heat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake 15-18 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  7. Serve with tahini sauce.
    8. Tip: You can make these using all lamb or all beef if desired.

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Amber Hanson