Kofta Kebabs and Tomato Salad
Kofta Kebabs with Tomato Salad are deliciously satisfying, offering a delightful blend of flavors that transport you to warm, sunny days. The juicy, spiced meat paired with fresh tomatoes and onions creates a vibrant dish perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
This recipe is a nod to the rich culinary traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine, where spices, fresh herbs, and quality meats come together in perfect harmony. Kofta, seasoned ground meat shaped into flavorful skewers, is easy to prepare and grill, making it a favorite for barbecues and outdoor meals. The addition of a simple tomato salad enhances the meal with refreshing flavors, making it a complete and wholesome dish.
Why make this recipe
Kofta Kebabs are not just delicious but also highly customizable, allowing you to tweak seasonings or add your favorite ingredients to suit your taste. They are a fantastic way to bring friends and family together, encouraging a relaxed dining ambiance. The quick preparation and grilling process means you can have an impressive meal on the table in no time, which is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute invitations. Moreover, this dish features fresh ingredients that not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a burst of nutrients, ensuring a healthy choice all around.
The accompanying tomato salad is a wonderful contrast to the warmth of the grilled kebabs, adding brightness and color to the plate. The vinaigrette dressing ties the flavors together, making every bite a celebration of taste. This dish is also ideal for meal prep, as leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later, ensuring that you always have something delectable on hand.
How to make Kofta Kebabs and Tomato Salad
Creating Kofta Kebabs and Tomato Salad involves a simple yet rewarding process. The first step is to prepare the kofta mixture, finely chopping onion and mint leaves which are then combined with ground beef. The spices in this mix can be adjusted based on personal preference, allowing for a range of flavor profiles from aromatic to intensely savory. Once the mixture is thoroughly blended, shape it into small meatballs, each threaded onto skewers for easy cooking.
Grilling the kebabs is a delightful experience, especially as the aroma fills the air. A hot pan with olive oil is essential for achieving that coveted golden-brown crust on the kofta. As they cook, turning them frequently ensures they are evenly browned and juicy. Meanwhile, the tomato salad requires minimal effort. Simply halve cherry tomatoes, slice onions, and toss them together with a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.
When both components are ready, serving them family-style enhances the dining experience, allowing everyone to help themselves and share in the communal joy of this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped, for the kofta mix)
- 30 mint leaves (chopped)
- 1 1/3 lb (600 g) ground beef
- Wooden skewers (thread 3 meatballs per skewer)
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil (for cooking)
- 20 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
- Vinaigrette (to taste)
Directions
- Finely chop 1/2 onion and chop the mint leaves.
- Mix both with the ground beef.
- Shape the mixture into 24 small meatballs.
- Thread 3 meatballs per skewer.
- Heat 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the kofta skewers, turning frequently, for about 5 minutes (until browned and cooked through).
- Toss 20 cherry tomatoes and 1/2 thinly sliced onion with vinaigrette.
- Serve the kofta kebabs with the tomato salad family style.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
How to serve Kofta Kebabs and Tomato Salad
Kofta Kebabs and Tomato Salad can be served directly from the grill or pan to the table, maintaining a rustic and inviting presentation. To elevate the dining experience, arrange kebabs on a large platter alongside the vibrant tomato salad. Offering some warm pita bread or flatbreads would complement the dish beautifully, allowing guests to create their own wraps filled with kofta and salad. You may also provide toppings such as yogurt sauce or chili sauce for those who enjoy a little heat. This communal style makes for a fun atmosphere, encouraging mingling while enjoying this delightful meal.
How to store Kofta Kebabs and Tomato Salad
If you have leftovers, storing them is quite simple. The kofta kebabs should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to three days. For best results, reheat them in a pan to preserve their texture and flavor. The tomato salad, however, is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers of the salad, store it separately in a sealed container, as the vinaigrette can make the tomatoes soggy if left too long. Consume the salad within a day or two for optimal freshness.
Tips to make Kofta Kebabs and Tomato Salad
To ensure your koftas are perfectly spiced, taste the meat mixture before cooking a full batch. This way, you can adjust seasoning as needed. Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling can help prevent burning and ensure they hold the meat without breaking. If you’re looking for an added kick, consider mixing spices such as cumin, paprika, or cayenne pepper into your kofta mixture. For the tomato salad, feel free to add other ingredients like cucumber or bell pepper for additional crunch. Lastly, serving with fresh herbs as a garnish will enhance the presentation and flavor.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fat: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for kofta kebabs?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with lamb, chicken, or turkey as per your preference.
Q: How can I make the tomato salad more exciting?
A: You can add cucumbers, feta cheese, or olives to the salad for additional flavor and texture.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Both the kebabs and salad can be stored separately for later meals, making them ideal for meal prepping.
Kofta Kebabs with Tomato Salad
Ingredients
For the Kofta
- 1/2 piece onion (finely chopped) for the kofta mix
- 30 leaves mint (chopped)
- 1 1/3 lb g ground beef 600 g
- Wooden pieces skewers thread 3 meatballs per skewer
- 1/4 cup mL olive oil for cooking
For the Tomato Salad
- 20 pieces cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 piece onion (thinly sliced)
- Vinaigrette to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Finely chop 1/2 onion and chop the mint leaves.
- Mix both with the ground beef.
- Shape the mixture into 24 small meatballs.
- Thread 3 meatballs per skewer.
Cooking
- Heat 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the kofta skewers, turning frequently, for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Tomato Salad
- Toss 20 cherry tomatoes and 1/2 thinly sliced onion with vinaigrette.
Serving
- Serve the kofta kebabs with the tomato salad family style.
