Kofta with tahini sauce was a family favorite growing up—authentic, comforting, and perfect for prepping ahead.It’s my go-to for an easy, flavorful dinner that feels like home.
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
How Many Servings?
6-8 servings
Kofta with tahini sauce is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that brings bold, comforting flavors to the table. My version draws inspiration from Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon—adding a wholesome twist with extra veggies and a roasting option instead of frying. Each part is prepared separately to build deep, balanced flavor, just like the meals I grew up with.
Ingredients of our Kofta With Tahini recipe
Kofta Kebab: A flavorful mix of ground lamb and beef, combined with finely chopped onion, garlic, and Italian parsley.
Spices: Salt, cumin, sumac, Aleppo pepper (or black pepper), and a pinch of cinnamon bring bold Middle Eastern flavor.
Vegetables: Cauliflower, potatoes, onion, and tomatoes add hearty texture and earthy depth.
Tahini Sauce: A creamy blend of tahini paste, lemon juice, plain yogurt, garlic, black pepper, and a touch of sumac for a zesty finish.
Variation of Your Kebab Recipe
Traditionally, Kofta with tahini sauce features a layer of half-fried potatoes generously coated with tahini sauce before baking. They are typically served with pita bread or alongside rice. You can substitute the tahini with tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes for a delightful twist on this classic preparation. This variation, known as “kofta bil al scene” or “kofta in a pan,” introduces a tantalizingly tangy contrast to the rich meat.
What should I serve with Kofta Kebabs?
While rich and flavorful, Kofta kebabs with tahini sauce shine with the right accompaniments; oven-roasted vegetables make an excellent addition to a heartier meal. Taboon bread is a must—it’s so good with kofta that you’ll find yourself reaching for more. If you’re leaning towards grains, vermicelli rice is an aromatic choice that complements the kebabs perfectly.
While pita bread is a traditional sidekick to kofta with tahini sauce, venturing into salads can elevate the meal further. Fattoush is a Mediterranean classic that provides a fresh and zesty contrast. Alternatively, a Greek salad, with its salty feta and juicy olives, can also be a delightful pairing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Kofta Mixture
Shape the Kofta
Bake the Kofta
Season the Vegetables
Roast the Vegetables
Make the Tahini Sauce
Assemble the Dish
Finish and Bake
Serve and Enjoy
Experience the essence of Middle Eastern flavors with this Kofta Kebab dish. Juicy kebabs paired with creamy tahini sauce and fluffy pita bread make for a culinary delight. Dive into tradition with every bite!
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
How Many Servings?
6-8 servings
Ingredients:
| 1 lb. Ground lamb | |
| 1 lb. Ground beef | |
| 1 Small onion, finely chopped | |
| 6 cloves minced garlic | |
| ⅓ cup Italian parsley (chopped fine) | |
| 1 tablespoon salt | |
| 1 teaspoon cumin | |
| ½ teaspoon sumac | |
| 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper | |
| ½ teaspoon cinnamon |
For the Vegetables:
| 1 small cauliflower (cut into smaller pieces) | |
| 8 small potatoes (washed and cut into fourths) | |
| 1 large onion (cut into large chunks) | |
| 3 medium size tomatoes (cut into large chunks) | |
| 2 teaspoons salt | |
| 1 teaspoon sumac | |
| 1 teaspoon cumin | |
| ½ teaspoon black pepper |
Tahini Sauce:
| 1 1/2 cup tahini | |
| 4 oz fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 juicy lemons) | |
| 3 tablespoons plain yogurt | |
| 5 garlic cloves, minced | |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt | |
| 1/4 teaspoon black pepper | |
| 1/2 teaspoon sumac | |
| 3 cups of water (or a combination of reserved kofta kabab juice and water to total 3 cups) |
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, ground beef, finely chopped onion, garlic, parsley, salt, cumin, sumac, Aleppo pepper, and cinnamon. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Form the mixture into your preferred kebab shape—either oval patties or elongated logs. This recipe makes about 16 pieces.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the kofta on a baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain and reserve the meat juices for added flavor later.
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, potatoes, onion, and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, sumac, cumin, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake at 425°F for about 30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
In a saucepan over low heat, gently warm the tahini. Add lemon juice, yogurt, garlic, salt, black pepper, and sumac, whisking to combine. Gradually stir in water—or a mix of reserved kofta juice and water—whisking until smooth and fully blended.
In a large baking dish, layer the roasted vegetables evenly. Arrange the baked kofta kebabs on top.
Pour the warm tahini sauce evenly over the kofta and vegetables. Return the dish to the oven and bake at 425°F for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite sides—like rice, salad, or fresh pita. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful kofta with tahini sauce!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Storage Instructions:
Reheating Instructions:
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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