Middle Eastern Kufta

Middle Eastern Kufta Recipe - Iraqi and Persian Ground Beef Dish

Region / culture: Iraq, Persia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Kufta is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with ground meat, onions, and spices. It is typically shaped into meatballs or patties and can be grilled, baked, or fried. This recipe for Middle Eastern Kufta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Kufta has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the region now known as Iraq and has since spread to other countries in the Middle East, as well as to Mediterranean and North African cuisines. Kufta is a versatile dish that can be made with various types of meat, including lamb, beef, and turkey, and can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs.

Ingredients

1.5 – 2 lb (907 g) of ground beef, ground lamb, or ground turkey
1 large onion
0.5 – 0.75 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley
4 cloves of garlic
seasoning salt or salt
allspice
black pepper
garlic powder

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.
Next, cut the onion into small pieces that can fit into the chopper. Combine the onion with garlic and chop until finely minced, but not pasty.
Add the onion and garlic mixture to the bowl with parsley. Also, add 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 ingredients. Bake in the oven at approximately 425°F (218°C), covered with foil, for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Enjoy!

Variations

Substitute ground beef or lamb for the ground turkey for a more traditional flavor.
Add chopped mint or cilantro to the meat mixture for a fresh and herbaceous twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the parsley and onion for a smoother texture in the meat mixture.

- Broiling the meat mixture before baking helps to enhance the flavor.

- Layering the potatoes and tomatoes on top of the meat mixture adds a delicious and colorful touch to the dish.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Middle Eastern Kufta with a side of rice or flatbread, and a salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Broil the meat mixture before baking to enhance the flavor.

- Layer the potatoes and tomatoes on top of the meat mixture for a colorful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground beef or lamb instead of ground turkey.

- Substitute dried parsley for fresh parsley if necessary.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Middle Eastern Kufta with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, and pita bread.

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 before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value per serving

- Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic.

Summary

This Middle Eastern Kufta recipe is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Middle Eastern Kufta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a blend of ground turkey, onions, and spices, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was given to me by an old friend who had just returned from a trip to the Middle East. She raved about the flavors and textures of the dish, and I could tell from the way she described it that it was something special.

I have always loved trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen, so I was excited to give this one a go. The ingredients were simple enough – ground meat, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices – but the process seemed a bit more involved than what I was used to. However, I was determined to master it.

I started by finely chopping the onions and garlic, then sautéing them in a bit of olive oil until they were soft and fragrant. Next, I added the ground meat and let it brown, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooked. As the meat cooked, I added a blend of spices – cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and allspice – that gave the dish its signature Middle Eastern flavor.

Once the meat was cooked through and the spices had melded together, I removed the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, I formed the meat into small, oval-shaped patties and placed them on a baking sheet. I popped them into the oven and let them bake until they were golden brown and cooked through.

While the kufta was baking, I whipped up a simple yogurt sauce to serve alongside it. I combined plain yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh mint, then seasoned it with salt and pepper. The tangy sauce would complement the rich, spiced meat perfectly.

When the kufta was finished baking, I plated it up with a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce on the side. The aroma that wafted from the dish was incredible – warm and inviting, with a hint of exotic spices that made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to another world. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – savory and aromatic, with a subtle sweetness from the cinnamon and allspice. The meat was tender and juicy, with a hint of caramelization from the oven.

I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special with this recipe. It quickly became a favorite in my household, and I found myself making it again and again for family and friends. Each time, I would tweak the spices or add a new twist to the yogurt sauce, always striving to perfect the dish.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with countless people, passing it along to anyone who expressed an interest in trying something new and exciting. I love the way it brings people together around the dinner table, sparking conversations and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I am grateful to my old friend for introducing me to this amazing dish, and for opening my eyes to the wonders of Middle Eastern cuisine. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to delight and impress. And as I continue to learn and grow as a cook, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.