Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt Sandwich Recipe

Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt sandwiches bring Middle Eastern flavors straight to your kitchen. These juicy, spiced beef patties paired with cooling mint yogurt sauce create an unforgettable meal. I’ve perfected this recipe over years, and now you can master it too.

Why This Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt Recipe Works

The secret lies in the food processor technique. Blending the meat creates that signature smooth texture you find in authentic kofta. The combination of cumin, sumac, and allspice delivers complex flavors without overwhelming the beef.

Grating the onion releases its juices, keeping the meat incredibly moist during grilling. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring your kofta stays on the skewer. Most importantly, chilling the formed kebabs helps them hold their shape on the grill.

The mint yogurt sauce isn’t just a condiment – it’s essential. Greek yogurt provides tanginess while fresh mint adds brightness. The cucumber brings crunch and helps cool any spice heat.

What You’ll Need for Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt Sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Kofta:

• 2 large white onions (divided use)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 5½ tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley (divided)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1½ tablespoons ground sumac (divided)
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon ground hot pepper (like Aleppo)
• Kosher salt and black pepper

For the Sauce & Serving:

• 1½ cups Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 3½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• Pita bread
• Pickled banana peppers
• Middle Eastern chile sauce or sriracha

Tools

• Food processor
• Box grater
• Metal skewers
• Charcoal grill or grill pan
• Instant-read thermometer
• Medium mixing bowls

How to Make Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt Sandwiches

Serving and Storage Tips for Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt Sandwiches

Serving Tips

Set up a DIY sandwich station. Arrange warm pitas, kofta, yogurt sauce, and toppings separately. Let everyone build their perfect sandwich. I love adding roasted vegetables on the side.

For parties, remove kofta from skewers and serve in smaller pita pockets as appetizers. Double the yogurt sauce – it disappears quickly! Consider offering hummus and baba ganoush alongside for variety.

Leftover kofta makes incredible grain bowls. Serve over rice or quinoa with the yogurt sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt Sandwiches

Over-processing the meat creates a paste-like texture. Pulse just until combined and sticky. Under-seasoning is another common error – the spices should be bold and noticeable.

Skipping the grated onion leaves kofta dry and crumbly. The onion juice is crucial for moisture. Similarly, forgetting to squeeze the cucumber makes watery yogurt sauce.

Grilling over too-high heat chars the outside while leaving the inside raw. Medium-high heat ensures even cooking. Check out Serious Eats’ grilling guide for temperature tips.

Suggestions for Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt Variations

Try different spice blends for unique flavors. Add za’atar for herbal notes or baharat for warmth. Harissa yogurt sauce brings fiery heat.

Switch proteins for variety. Ground turkey creates lighter kofta, while lamb adds richness. Mix beef and lamb for the best of both worlds. Vegetarians can use plant-based alternatives.

Transform leftovers into new meals. Crumble cold kofta over salads, stuff into omelets, or use as pizza topping. The yogurt sauce doubles as salad dressing or vegetable dip.

Conclusion

Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt sandwiches bring restaurant-quality Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. The combination of aromatic spices, juicy beef, and cooling yogurt sauce creates perfect harmony in every bite.

Master this recipe once, and you’ll return to it repeatedly. Whether feeding family on busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests, these sandwiches deliver every time. The make-ahead options and versatile serving suggestions ensure this becomes your new favorite.

Start with quality ingredients, follow the techniques carefully, and soon you’ll create kofta that rivals any restaurant. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will ask for seconds. Happy cooking!

More Easy Lunch Recipes:

• Delicious Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for Quick Dinners
• Irresistible Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe Delight – Chinese Chicken Broccoli
• BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – Easy 15-Minute Dinner
• Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts: Savory Delight

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Beef Kofta Mint Yogurt Sandwich Recipe

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• Author: Jennie Graham
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Juicy Middle Eastern beef kofta patties paired with cooling mint yogurt sauce create an unforgettable sandwich ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large white onions (divided use)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 5½ tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley (divided)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1½ tablespoons ground sumac (divided)
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon ground hot pepper (like Aleppo)
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 1½ cups Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 3½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• Pita bread
• Pickled banana peppers
• Middle Eastern chile sauce or sriracha

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Instructions

1. Grate one onion using the large side of a box grater. Add to food processor with beef, 2 minced garlic cloves, and beaten egg. Pulse to combine.
2. Add 2½ tablespoons parsley, cumin, 1 tablespoon sumac, allspice, cinnamon, dried mint, and hot pepper. Season with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Blend until sticky and smooth.
3. Test seasoning by microwaving a small portion for 10 seconds. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
4. Divide mixture into 6 portions. Wet hands with water, form into 4-inch cigars. Thread onto skewers, pinching and flattening meat to adhere. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Prepare yogurt sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), remaining garlic, olive oil, 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, and fresh mint. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Make onion salad: Slice remaining onion, combine with 3 tablespoons parsley, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and ½ tablespoon sumac. Season with salt.
7. Light charcoal grill. When coals are gray, spread over half the grate. Preheat grill for 5 minutes. Clean and oil grates.
8. Grill kofta, turning frequently, for 8-9 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155°F. Warm pitas on grill for 30 seconds per side.
9. Serve immediately with warm pita, yogurt sauce, onion salad, pickled peppers, and hot sauce on the side.

Notes

• Keep a bowl of water nearby when shaping kofta – wet hands prevent sticking and make forming easier
• Don’t skip the refrigeration time – cold meat holds its shape better on the grill
• Flat metal skewers work better than round ones – they prevent the meat from spinning
• Make extra yogurt sauce – guests always want more of this addictive condiment
• For indoor cooking, use a cast iron grill pan over high heat for similar results

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Middle Eastern beef sandwich, kofta kebab recipe, mint yogurt sauce, grilled beef patties, Mediterranean sandwich, spiced beef skewers, Greek yogurt sauce, authentic kofta recipe