Description
Juicy Middle Eastern beef kofta patties paired with cooling mint yogurt sauce create an unforgettable sandwich ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Test seasoning by microwaving a small portion for 10 seconds. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make onion salad: Slice remaining onion, combine with 3 tablespoons parsley, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and ½ tablespoon sumac. Season with salt.
- Light charcoal grill. When coals are gray, spread over half the grate. Preheat grill for 5 minutes. Clean and oil grates.
- Grill kofta, turning frequently, for 8-9 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155°F. Warm pitas on grill for 30 seconds per side.
- 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