Middle Eastern Baked Kufta

Middle Eastern Baked Kufta Recipe | Arabian Ground Beef Dish

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Middle Eastern Baked Kufta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines ground turkey with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is easy to prepare and full of Middle Eastern flavors.

History

Kufta, also known as kofta, is a popular Middle Eastern dish that consists of ground meat mixed with spices and herbs. It is often shaped into meatballs or patties and grilled or baked. This dish has been enjoyed in the Middle East for centuries and is a staple in many Middle Eastern households.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) ground beef, lamb, or turkey
1 large onion
0.75 – 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
4 garlic cloves
seasoning salt or salt
allspice
black pepper
garlic powder

topping

3 – 4 tomatoes (any size)
3 – 4 potatoes

How to prepare

Start by finely chopping the parsley using a food chopper.
Avoid using dried parsley.
Transfer the chopped parsley to a large mixing bowl.
Cut the onion into small pieces that can fit into the chopper. Combine the onion and garlic, and chop until finely minced.
Add the onion and garlic mixture to the bowl with the parsley, along with the ground meat and spices.
Using your hands, mix everything together until well blended.
Press the meat mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan and broil in the oven until the top is browned. This will enhance the flavor. Remove from the oven.
Peel the potatoes.
Slice the tomatoes and potatoes into quarter-inch pieces. Layer the potatoes first, followed by the tomatoes as the top layer.
Sprinkle a little salt over the layered tomatoes and potatoes.
Cover the pan with foil and bake in the oven at approximately 425°F (218°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Enjoy!

Variations

You can use ground beef or lamb instead of turkey for a different flavor.
Add pine nuts or raisins to the meat mixture for a sweet and nutty twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the parsley and onion for a smooth texture in the meat mixture.

- Broiling the meat mixture before baking adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

- Layering the tomatoes and potatoes on top of the meat mixture adds moisture and flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to cover the pan with foil while baking to prevent the dish from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Middle Eastern Baked Kufta with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broil the meat mixture before baking to enhance the flavor.

- Layer the tomatoes and potatoes on top of the meat mixture for a moist and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground chicken or lamb instead of turkey.

- Substitute dried parsley for fresh parsley if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sumac for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Middle Eastern Baked Kufta with a side of hummus, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This dish contains onions and garlic, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Middle Eastern Baked Kufta is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a balanced meal that is perfect for a healthy diet.

Summary

Middle Eastern Baked Kufta is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its flavorful meat mixture and layers of tomatoes and potatoes, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Middle Eastern Baked Kufta. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in Lebanon. My aunt was a wonderful cook, and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes that were full of flavor and tradition.

One afternoon, as I sat in her kitchen watching her prepare a meal for our family, she pulled out a hand-written recipe for Baked Kufta. I watched in awe as she mixed together ground lamb, onions, parsley, and a blend of aromatic spices. She shaped the mixture into long, oval patties and placed them in a baking dish, pouring a fragrant tomato sauce over the top.

As the dish baked in the oven, the scent of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the kufta was finally ready, my aunt served it with a side of fluffy rice and a tangy yogurt sauce. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – rich, savory, and utterly satisfying.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. My aunt patiently taught me each step of the recipe, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together. As I watched her work, I realized that cooking was more than just following a set of instructions – it was a way to connect with my heritage and preserve the traditions of my family.

Over the years, I have made Baked Kufta countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experimented with new spices and flavor combinations. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition that my aunt so generously shared with me.

As I think back on that day in my aunt’s kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that she gave me. The recipe for Baked Kufta is more than just a list of ingredients – it is a reminder of the love and care that goes into preparing a meal for those we hold dear.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen preparing a batch of Baked Kufta for my grandchildren, I am filled with a sense of pride and joy. I know that with each bite they take, they will taste not just the flavors of the dish, but the memories of the generations of cooks who have come before me.

And so, as I place the dish in the oven and watch it begin to bubble and brown, I say a silent thank you to my aunt for passing down this treasured recipe. In that moment, I am connected to a long line of women who have lovingly prepared this dish, each one adding their own touch to make it truly their own.

As my grandchildren gather around the table, their faces lighting up with excitement, I know that the tradition of Baked Kufta will continue to live on in our family for years to come. And I can’t help but smile, knowing that I have played a small part in keeping our heritage alive through the simple act of cooking.