Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of the Middle East! These succulent Beef Koftas are not just a meal, but a sensory experience that combines rich, aromatic spices with perfectly grilled meat and toasted couscous. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food adventurer, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen, with a preparation time of just 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the beef mixture into elongated oval-shaped meatballs (koftas), approximately 3-4 inches long. Ensure each kofta is compact and evenly shaped.
- Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
- Place the koftas in the heated pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to ensure even browning. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for fully cooked beef.
- While koftas are cooking, prepare the couscous. In a separate saucepan, heat chicken broth to a boil.
- Add couscous to the boiling broth, stir briefly, then remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and toast lightly in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Plate the toasted couscous and arrange the cooked koftas on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint if desired.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a side of yogurt sauce or tzatziki for dipping.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly ground beef with a fat content around 15-20% to ensure juicy, tender koftas.
- When mixing the meat, handle it gently to prevent tough meatballs. Use your fingertips to combine ingredients, not your palms.
- Wet your hands slightly before shaping koftas to prevent the meat from sticking to your fingers and help create smoother shapes.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or a handful of chopped fresh mint to the meat mixture.
- If you don't have a grill pan, these koftas work beautifully on an outdoor grill or even baked in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
- Toast the couscous carefully to enhance its nutty flavor, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
