Middle Eastern Kofta (Mini Meatloaves)

Kofta is a spiced meatball. This version is a Middle Eastern recipe but Kofta’s (aka Kofte, Kefte, Kafta etc) are everywhere in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.  You can use any of the local spices and come up with your own version.  For Indian use Garam Masala, for Asian use sesame oil and ginger.  For a European version (aka meatballs) use garlic and onion.

I like to think of kofta as mini meatloaves.  They are essentially ground meat, mixed with aromatics and shaped into either a flat oval shape or a round shape.  I prefer the flattened oval shape as I think it’s easier to cook evenly.

These can be baked, broiled, fried or cooked over an open flame.  They may also be simmered such as with curry kofta.

I am really looking forward to experimenting with kofta and creating new dishes with them.  I’m thinking… kofta Tex-Mex burrito… or kofta tacos.  It’s true, you can take the girl out of Texas but you can’t take Texas out of the girl.

I like to serve kofta with hummus, yogurt sauce and with either store-bought pita or homemade naan.

If you make your own version, let us know:)

Bon Appetit y’all!

Middle Eastern Kofta

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• Author: Tina
• Prep Time: 30
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Entree
• Method: Broil
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

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Description

Kofta is a spiced meatball. This version is a Middle Eastern recipe but Kofta’s (aka Kofte, Kefte, Kafta etc) are everywhere in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.  You can use any of the local spices and come up with your own version.  For Indian use Garam Masala, for Asian use sesame oil and ginger.  For a European version (aka meatballs) use garlic and onion.

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Ingredients

Kofta:
1 lb ground lamb

1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

1/4 red onion, peeled, chopped

1/2 Tbs smoked paprika

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs

Serve with:

pita bread or homemade Naan bread

yogurt sauce

hummus

Oh, and maybe some olives too

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Instructions

Kofta:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

Place wire rack in baking dish.

Shape meat mixture into 4 inch flat ovals and place on wire rack in baking dish.

Broil in oven for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.