Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Beef Koftas, which are seasoned ground beef skewers.
What is the accompanying dip for the beef koftas?
The koftas are served with a Creamy Mint Yogurt Dip.
What type of meat is used for the koftas?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary spices used in the beef mixture?
The beef is seasoned with ground cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried mint.
How do you prepare the herb and spice mixture?
Combine fresh parsley, green onions, dried mint, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a food processor and blend until pureed.
Is an egg used in the beef koftas?
Yes, one egg is beaten into the parsley mixture before adding the beef to help bind the ingredients.
How should the beef be shaped for grilling?
Shape the mixture into small sausage shapes, about 2 tablespoons each, and thread them onto metal skewers.
What is the recommended grilling time for the koftas?
Grill the koftas for approximately 12 minutes on medium heat, turning once halfway through.
Can I cook the koftas if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can broil them for about 7 minutes, turning them once.
What is in the Creamy Mint Yogurt Dip?
The dip is made from plain yogurt, dried mint, and minced fresh parsley.
How is the pita bread served?
Whole wheat pita bread is grilled or broiled for 4 minutes until hot and crisp, then cut into quarters.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 11.25g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Are there fresh herbs in the beef mixture?
Yes, it uses 1 cup of lightly packed fresh parsley leaves and 3 green onions.
What type of pita bread is recommended?
The recipe suggests using whole wheat pita bread.
How much dried mint is needed in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of dried mint is used, split between the beef and the dip.
Is water added to the beef?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of water are added to the beef mixture to help with consistency.
How do I know when the koftas are finished cooking?
They are done when they are no longer pink inside.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Meat.
What are some tags for this recipe?
Tags include beef koftas, minted yogurt, grilled meat, middle eastern, and healthy recipe.
How do you prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be coarsely chopped before being pureed in the food processor.
What type of skewers should be used?
The recipe specifically recommends using metal skewers.
How much yogurt is required for the dip?
The dip requires 1/2 cup of plain yogurt.
What is the preparation for the parsley in the dip?
The parsley used in the dip should be fresh and minced.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, the description suggests it is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
How long does it take to heat the pita?
The pita bread takes about 4 minutes to grill or broil.
How many green onions are used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 3 coarsely chopped green onions.