Recipes

Spiced Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tangy Yogurt Sauce and Herbed Rice

Beef kofta kebabs are made from ground beef, typically a lean cut like chuck, blended with aromatic spices that give them a wonderful depth of flavor. These kebabs are wonderfully versatile — perfect grilled on their own or served alongside fragrant herbed basmati rice and a cooling yogurt sauce, making a complete and family-friendly meal. You can also swap the rice for warm pita bread and a fresh salad for a lighter option.

Ingredients:

For the Kofta Kebabs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably chuck for good fat content)

• 1 small onion, finely grated

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp red chili flakes (adjust for heat preference)

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

For the Red Chili & Cayenne Glaze:

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp red chili flakes

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Herbed Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed

• 2 cups water or broth

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Koftas:
   Set out the kofta skewers

2. Make the Glaze:
   Whisk together tomato paste, honey, red chili flakes, cayenne, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Cook the Herbed Rice:
   In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add rinsed basmati rice, butter or oil, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in chopped parsley.

4. Grill or Pan-Fry the Kebabs:
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush kebabs lightly with olive oil. Cook kebabs for about 3-4 minutes per side, brushing with the chili-cayenne glaze during the last 2 minutes to get a sticky, flavorful coating.

5. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
   Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and mint in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

Seasoning & Serving:

Serve the spicy beef kofta kebabs over a bed of herbed rice, drizzled with the tangy yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or fresh mint leaves. For a fresh crunch, add a side salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.