Kofta Kebab with Tahini sauce

If you’re craving authentic middle eastern flavor, you’re in luck! Kofta Kebab is a popular dish throughout Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. Each region has its twist, but the traditional recipe sticks to only potatoes, kofta, and tahini sauce. In The Middle East, this dish is super simple since the butcher prepares the kofta meat. However, if you don’t have a Middle Eastern butcher shop near you, you can also make your kofta. With this recipe, you can enjoy an aromatic, delicious, traditional meal in minutes.

There are so many ways to make this dish; this recipe is my version of the tradition; the only difference is that I want to be more of a whole meal, so I add more vegetables, but instead of frying, I roast them in the oven. You can say my dish is a healthier version! I am also the kind of home cook who likes to make things separately and then put them together! Each part of the dish needs a different cooking time, so it just makes sense to cook them at other times. The result of all this cooking is a fantastic, well-balanced dish. The flavors still take me back to my mom’s kitchen. 

The aroma and flavors of this classic dish still take me back to my mom’s kitchen. My mom put the pan under the broiler until the tahini sauce created a thin- caramelized crust top.

My sibling and I would then fight over who will scope the last of the tahini sauce with a piece of bread from the pan! It was so delicious; I still remember it to this day. Please give this kofta recipe a try! And let me know what you think in the comments below. 

What is Kofta? 

Kofta kebabs are a traditional type of kebab that is traditionally served in The Middle East. They are skewers of succulent ground beef or lamb. The meat is typically blended with savory onions, chopped parsley, and uniquely middle eastern spices. These vegetables make the meat even juicier and more flavorful than if it were pure meat. The combination results in an irresistible flavor that can’t be compared. 

Where can I find kofta for my kofta kebab?

The best way to buy authentic middle eastern kofta is to go directly to the butcher. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a city with a middle eastern market, you may also find quality Kofta at the store. Of course, if you can’t find kofta in the grocery store, you can make it yourself. Making the dish is a labor of love, but it will definitely be worthwhile. 

How do I prepare kofta kebab? 

I recommend visiting the butcher for kofta for two reasons. First, you’ll get the highest quality meat. Secondly, the butcher will do all the preparation for you! This makes for fast, simple meal preparation, so you don’t have to spend hours making dinner. Kofta kebabs are traditionally topped with half-fried potatoes covered with tahini sauce, then all baked in the oven and usually served with pita bread or rice on the side! Another version of this dish is made by replacing the tahini sauce with tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes! They both called kofta bil al seeneha to translate to kofta in a pan. 

What should I serve with Kofta kebabs? 

Kofta kebabs are delicious and can stand independently, but I like adding oven-roasted vegetables to create a healthy, complete meal. Kofta kebab also pairs beautifully with pita bread or rice on the side. You can also add a Mediterranean salad such as Fattoush or tabouli.