Spiced Beef Koftas with Warm Pita
Delight in these flavorful Spiced Beef Koftas, featuring juicy ground beef infused with aromatic spices. These utterly delicious skewers are perfect for grilling and can be served alongside warm pita bread, fresh cucumber, and ripe tomatoes for a refreshing meal. Simply shape the beef mixture into tender koftas and cook on the grill for a smoky, charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with your favorite sauces or dips. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or as part of a mezze spread, these koftas are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
2 lbs (Finely ground)
Onions
2 (Chopped)
Soft bread
1 slice (Soaked in milk)
Milk
1/2 cup (For soaking bread)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Allspice
1 pinch (N/A)
Bamboo or metal skewers
6 (Soaked (if bamboo))
Instructions
1
If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning during grilling.
2
Finely chop the onions and, if possible, use a food grinder to grind the beef and onions together twice for a perfect texture. If you don’t have a grinder, finely pulse the onions in a food processor and then add the ground beef, pulsing until well combined and finely textured. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
3
Soak the slice of soft bread in the milk until completely moistened. Squeeze out the excess milk and crumble the bread into the beef mixture.
4
Add salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and allspice to the bowl, then mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Shape the mixture into oblong koftas about 2-3 inches long, and thread 2-3 of them onto each skewer. You can mold them directly on the skewers for convenience.
6
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (70°C).
7
Serve the hot koftas with warm pita bread, garnish with fresh cucumber and tomato slices, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like tzatziki or garlic sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Beef Koftas?
Spiced Beef Koftas are flavorful meat skewers made of juicy ground beef infused with aromatic Mediterranean spices, perfect for grilling and serving with pita bread.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of finely ground beef.
How should I prepare bamboo skewers before grilling?
If you are using bamboo skewers, you should soak them in water for at least 1 hour to prevent them from burning during the grilling process.
What is the best way to combine the beef and onions?
For the best texture, use a food grinder to grind the beef and onions together twice. Alternatively, pulse onions in a food processor and then pulse with the beef until finely textured.
Why is soft bread and milk used in the recipe?
A slice of soft bread is soaked in milk and then crumbled into the beef mixture to help maintain moisture and improve the texture of the koftas.
Which spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of allspice.
How do I shape the koftas?
Shape the beef mixture into oblong forms about 2-3 inches long and thread 2-3 of them onto each skewer.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the grill?
You should preheat your grill to medium-high heat for cooking the koftas.
How long do the beef koftas need to grill?
The koftas should be cooked for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are evenly browned.
What is the safe internal temperature for beef koftas?
Ensure the internal temperature of the koftas reaches at least 160°F (70°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
What should I serve with Spiced Beef Koftas?
Serve them with warm pita bread, fresh cucumber slices, and ripe tomato slices.
What dipping sauces pair well with these koftas?
Tzatziki or garlic sauce are excellent dipping choices for this dish.
How much milk is required for soaking the bread?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of milk to soak the soft bread slice.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 onions, which should be finely chopped or processed with the meat.
How many skewers does this recipe typically make?
Based on the ingredients list, you should prepare at least 6 bamboo or metal skewers.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, this is categorized as an easy recipe suitable for family meals and outdoor cooking.
Can I use metal skewers instead of bamboo?
Yes, you can use either bamboo or metal skewers for this recipe.
What is the size of each individual kofta?
Each kofta should be approximately 2 to 3 inches long.
What should I do with the bread after soaking it in milk?
Squeeze out any excess milk from the bread and then crumble it directly into the beef mixture.
Can these be served as part of a mezze spread?
Yes, these koftas are perfect whether enjoyed as a main dish or as part of a larger mezze spread.
How do I ensure the koftas have a smoky flavor?
Cooking the koftas on a grill over medium-high heat provides a smoky, charred flavor.
How much cumin is included?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is chili powder necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder for a hint of spice, though you can adjust to taste.
What is the role of allspice in this dish?
A pinch of allspice provides a warm, aromatic depth common in Mediterranean-style meat dishes.
Should the beef be mixed by hand?
Yes, after adding the spices and bread, it is recommended to mix thoroughly with your hands until well incorporated.
How do I prevent the meat from falling off the skewers?
The recipe suggests molding the meat mixture directly onto the skewers to help them stay in place.
What kind of bread is best for the binder?
One slice of any soft white or wheat bread works well to soak up the milk.
Can I prepare the mixture in a food processor?
Yes, if you don't have a grinder, you can pulse the onions and beef together in a food processor until finely textured.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, these koftas are designed to impress family and friends at any gathering or outdoor event.
What garnishes are recommended?
Garnish the hot koftas with fresh cucumber and tomato slices for a refreshing contrast.