Go Back
+ servings
how to make middle eastern meatballs kofta kebabs

Middle Eastern Meatballs Kofta Kebabs

Before diving into the delightful world of Middle Eastern meatballs, let's consider what pairs well with these flavorful kofta kebabs.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground lamb
  • 1 full bunch of fresh parsley stems trimmed (equals about 2 packed cups of leaves)
  • 1 slice hearty bread toasted until golden
  • 1 medium yellow onion roughly quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground green cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon sumac spice
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 10 ounces creamy hummus about 1 cup
  • Extra virgin olive oil for cooking and drizzling
  • Pita bread for serving (optional but recommended)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a food processor, combine the parsley, onion, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Next, add the ground meat of your choice. Mix in the toasted bread, all the spices, and the lemon juice. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Blend until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Form the Kebabs

  • Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to mold the kebabs. Grab a handful and shape it around a skewer or form small patties. I find that shaping them onto skewers makes for easy grilling. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Chill

  • Place the formed kebabs on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

  • While the kebabs chill, heat your grill to medium-high. You want it hot enough to sear the meat and create that mouthwatering crust.

Step 5: Grill the Kebabs

  • Lightly brush the kebabs with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Keep an eye on them; no one likes a burnt kebab!

Step 6: Serve

  • Once they’re cooked, serve your kofta kebabs hot, drizzled with olive oil and paired with pita and hummus. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy every juicy bite!

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like cumin or cinnamon for extra depth.
  • Don’t overwork the meat: Mix just until combined. Overworking can make the kebabs tough.
  • Use ground lamb for richness: Lamb provides a more traditional flavor that many prefer in kofta.
  • Serve with a cooling dip: A yogurt sauce with mint and cucumber can balance the spices beautifully.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gFiber: 2g
Keyword middle eastern meatballs kofta kebabs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!