Beef Kofta with Tzatziki
A bright and flavourful dish we enjoy year round. This is delicious served with all your favourite pita toppings or a big fresh Greek Salad. Tzatziki (recipe below) or hummus are both delicious accompaniments.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
Beef Kofta:
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef ground lamb works well also
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 2-3 tbsp fresh mint, minced fresh dill or cilantro work as well
- 2-3 tbsp fresh parsley, minced fresh dill or cilantro work as well
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup quick oats certified gluten free if necessary
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
Tzatziki:
- 1 1/2 cups plain greek yogurt substitute plain coconut yogurt for dairy free
- 1 english cucumber, grated and drained (see below)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (I use the juice of 1-2 lemons)
- 2-3 tbsp fresh chopped dill mint, parlsey, and/or cilantro work also
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Optional accompianments:
- 6 naan or pita breads, warm use gluten free pita bread if desired
- Greek Salad (recipe linked below), OR
- Assorted chopped vegetables for pitas lettuce, tomato, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, fresh mint, parsley, dill, or cilantro, etc.
Instructions
Beef Kofta:
- Add all ingredeints in a large bowl and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix or you will have tough/dry patties. Tip - the onion, garlic, and fresh herbs (including the stems!) can be pulsed in the food processor for quick work mincing!
- Form into torpedo shaped patties (about 1/3 cup beef mixture per patty). Cover and refridgerate until ready to cook. These also freeze well! Meanwhile, prepare Tzatiki or Hummus, and Greek Salad or chopped vegetables for pita toppings.
- Heat a large skillet, barbecue, or indor grill/press. Grill kofta's until nicely browned on each side and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes a side or 10-12 minutes on a George Foreman grill press. Complete in batches if necessary, do not crowd the pan. Remove to a plate and keep warm covered with foil until ready to serve.
- Serve with warm pita or naan bread and Greek Salad or fresh chopped vegetables for pita toppings.
Tzatziki:
- Be sure to drain grated cucumber before using. Set it in a colander and press and squeeze until all excess water has been drained out. This will keep your dip from being runny!
- Add all ingredeints to a bowl and stir until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Add more lemon juice for more tartness, more garlic, red chili flakes, or pepper for heat, and more salt for flavour. Keep in mind flavours will intensify the longer the dip sits and the flavours marry. Refridgerate until ready to serve. This can be made ahead and will keep for about 5 days in the fridge.
