Mediterranean Spiced Beef Koftas with Creamy Chickpea Dip
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this exquisite recipe for Spiced Beef Koftas paired with a luscious Creamy Chickpea Dip. Blending aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, these koftas are crafted from finely ground beef and fresh herbs, presenting a delightful aroma and taste that's not overly spicy but loaded with flavor. The chickpea puree, enriched with tahini and Greek yogurt, adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the savory meat skewers. Ideal for a dinner party or a casual weekday meal, this dish is a true celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.
N/A
Servings
290
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
finely ground beef
1 1/4 lbs (none)
onion
1 (grated)
cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
coriander
2 teaspoons (ground)
paprika
2 teaspoons (ground)
cayenne
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
flat leaf parsley
1 bunch (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1 bunch (chopped)
dried garbanzo beans
1 1/4 cups (soaked overnight, drained, and cooked)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
lemon
1 (juiced)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
cumin seed
1 teaspoon (none)
light tahini paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons (none)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely ground beef, grated onion, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, salt, chopped parsley, and cilantro. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
2
Knead the mixture firmly until cohesive, then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
3
Cover the blended meat mixture and let it rest in a cool place for 1 hour to enhance the flavors.
4
While the meat rests, prepare the chickpea puree. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5
In a blender or food processor, blend together the soaked and cooked chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, cumin seeds, tahini, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
6
Season the chickpea puree with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer it to an ovenproof dish. Cover with foil and warm in the oven for approximately 20 minutes.
7
After the meat has rested, divide the mixture into six equal portions. Mold each portion around a metal skewer, shaping them into thick sausages.
8
Preheat your grill or broiler to the highest setting. Grill the kebabs for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through but still juicy.
9
While the kebabs are cooking, melt the butter. Once the chickpea puree is warmed, pour the melted butter over the top. If the puree is too thick, stir in additional yogurt or melted butter to achieve your desired consistency.
10
Serve the hot beef koftas alongside the creamy chickpea dip, accompanied by fresh salad and warm bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
20g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Spiced Beef Koftas with Creamy Chickpea Dip?
It is an exquisite dish featuring finely ground beef skewers seasoned with aromatic spices, served alongside a luscious dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and Greek yogurt.
What kind of meat is used for the koftas?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of finely ground beef.
What are the primary spices in the beef mixture?
The beef is seasoned with ground cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 290 calories per serving.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The koftas are loaded with flavor and aromatic spices but are designed not to be overly spicy, despite the inclusion of cayenne.
How long should the meat mixture rest before cooking?
The meat mixture should rest in a cool place for 1 hour to enhance the flavors.
How do you prepare the chickpeas for the dip?
The dried garbanzo beans should be soaked overnight, drained, and cooked before being blended.
What ingredients make the chickpea dip creamy?
The creaminess comes from the combination of blended chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, and Greek yogurt.
What is the recommended oven temperature for warming the dip?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long should the chickpea dip be warmed in the oven?
It should be warmed in an ovenproof dish for approximately 20 minutes.
How long do the beef koftas take to grill?
The kebabs should be grilled for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
How do you shape the beef koftas?
Divide the mixture into six equal portions and mold each around a metal skewer into thick sausages.
What herbs are included in the beef mixture?
The recipe uses one bunch each of chopped flat leaf parsley and fresh cilantro.
Can I use a broiler instead of a grill?
Yes, the instructions state you can use either a grill or a broiler set to the highest setting.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 14g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 18g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
The dish contains 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I do if the chickpea dip is too thick?
You can stir in additional yogurt or melted butter to achieve your desired consistency.
How is the onion prepared for the beef?
The onion should be grated before being combined with the meat.
What is the purpose of blending the meat mixture?
Blending ensures the meat and spices are well combined and the texture is smooth and cohesive.
What kind of tahini is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using light tahini paste.
What is the finishing touch for the chickpea dip?
Melted butter is poured over the top of the warmed chickpea puree.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for a dinner party or a casual weekday meal.
What are common side dishes for these koftas?
They are best served with a fresh salad and warm bread.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the dip?
The recipe requires 2 crushed garlic cloves.
Does the recipe use whole or ground cumin for the dip?
The chickpea dip uses 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds.
How many koftas does the recipe produce?
The meat mixture is divided into six equal portions for six skewers.
Is the chickpea dip served cold?
No, the dip is transferred to an ovenproof dish and warmed before serving.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include koftas, beef, chickpeas, mediterranean, grilled, spicy, dip, healthy, party food, and middle eastern.
What kind of oil is used in the dip?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.