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Beef Kofta w/ Herbed Tzatziki & Cucumber Tomato Salad


Kofta is usually grilled but since I live in a tiny apartment with no access to a grill and the risk of setting off building fire alarms, I bake these for ease and peace of mind. If you have a grill you can alternatively grill these over medium heat for 5-8 minutes. (about 4 minutes or so on each side) Serve in a warm pita with all the fixings listed for a gyro like meal.

Beef Kofta

(serves 4-6)

  • 1 lb. Ground Beef (can substitute ground lamb or 1/2 and 1/2)

  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

  • pinch crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tbsp coriander

  • 1 tbsp cumin

  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1/4 tsp sumac

  • 1/2 Lemon, Juiced

  • 2 egg yolks

  • 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

  • 1/2 small red onion, grated

  • 1 tsp turkish ras el hanout

  • 1 tsp turkish z'atar

  • 12 soaked bamboo skewers or reusable metal skewers

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare large baking sheet with parchment paper or cooking spray, set aside.

2. Combine all ingredients and shape into 4 inch logs. Skewer.

3. Place each meat skewer on baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

  • 6 Campari Tomatoes, cut in half and then cut into thirds

  • 1/2 small red onion, shaved on mandolin to desired thickness

  • 2 persian cucumbers, shaved on mandolin to desired thickness

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh if on hand)

  • Kosher Salt & Freshly cracked black pepper

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or to taste)

  • 2 tbsp good extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tsp turkish salad spice (if on hand)

1. Toss all ingredients in a bowl and taste for seasoning and dressing. Adjust as desired.

Herbed Tzatziki

  • 1 1/2 cups Fage Greek Yogurt

  • 1 Persian cucumber, peeled

  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

  • 1 tbsp chopped dill

  • 1/2 Lemon, Juiced

  • Kosher Salt & Freshly cracked black pepper

1. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl. Grate cucumber on a box grater and set in sieve. Sprinkle with salt and let sit until water drains, approx 5-10 min.

2. Combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, parsley, dill, lemon juice and oregano. Stir until combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.

For Serving:

Torn Romaine Lettuce

Fresh Pita

Picked Cilantro or Parsley

Crumbled Feta

Build a taco or gyro like meal using the pita as the vessel and piling on all the toppings listed above. Enjoy!

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