Spicy Nigerian Kofta Skewers
Indulge in the rich flavors of Nigeria with these Spicy Kofta Skewers, perfectly spiced and grilled to perfection. Made with lean ground beef, blended with aromatic herbs and spices, these juicy kofta are an excellent choice for a healthy meal. Serve them alongside colorful salads or atop a bed of fragrant tomato rice, complemented by a drizzle of zesty chili sauce for extra kick. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits into a very low-carb lifestyle, making it a delicious and guilt-free option for any occasion.
4
Servings
125
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
500 g (raw)
ground dried chile
1 teaspoon (ground)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
egg
1 (beaten)
fresh coriander
2 tablespoons (chopped)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (ground)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
oil
for brushing (for grilling)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, ground dried chile, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, chopped fresh coriander, ground nutmeg, and salt to taste. Mix well using a fork until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavors and allow the mixture to firm up.
3
Prepare your grilling space by lighting the barbecue or setting up the grill.
4
After refrigerating, remove the mixture and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a compact sausage, approximately 5 cm (2 inches) long.
5
Take 4 kebab skewers and carefully thread each sausage onto the skewer, molding the meat around the skewer to ensure they adhere well.
6
Brush the skewers generously with oil to prevent sticking and to promote even grilling.
7
Place the kebabs on the grill over hot coals and cook for 7-10 minutes, turning frequently to achieve an even, golden-brown crust on all sides.
8
Once fully cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
7 g
Fat
1 g
Carbs
15 g
Protein
0.5 g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in Spicy Nigerian Kofta Skewers?
The main protein used in this recipe is 500g of lean ground beef.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent choice for a low-carb lifestyle.
How many calories are in one serving of these skewers?
Each serving contains 125 calories.
What is the recommended serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes 4 servings, consisting of 3 kofta sausages per skewer.
How long should I refrigerate the meat mixture?
You should refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavors and allow it to firm up.
What spices are used to flavor the Nigerian Kofta?
The kofta is flavored with ground dried chile, ground nutmeg, fresh coriander, and salt.
How do I prevent the meat from sticking to the grill?
Brush the skewers generously with oil before placing them on the grill to prevent sticking.
What is the purpose of adding an egg to the meat mixture?
The beaten egg acts as a binding agent to help the ground beef hold its shape on the skewers.
How long do the skewers take to cook on the grill?
The kebabs should be cooked for 7-10 minutes, turning frequently until golden-brown.
What side dishes pair well with Spicy Nigerian Kofta Skewers?
They are delicious served with colorful salads, fragrant tomato rice, or a zesty chili sauce.
How many kofta sausages should I make from the beef?
The mixture should be divided into 12 equal portions to form 12 compact sausages.
What is the approximate size of each kofta sausage?
Each sausage should be shaped to be approximately 5 cm (2 inches) long.
How much protein is in a single serving?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is approximately 0.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What type of chile is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground dried chile.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped before being mixed into the beef.
What garnish is recommended for these skewers?
The skewers are best served garnished with fresh lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.
How much fat is in one serving of these skewers?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use fresh coriander in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses lean ground beef and aromatic herbs, making it a healthy and protein-rich meal option.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 ingredients: lean ground beef, ground dried chile, onion, egg, fresh coriander, nutmeg, salt, and oil.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What equipment do I need for the meat mixture?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a fork for blending, and plastic wrap for covering the bowl during refrigeration.
How many skewers are needed for the full recipe?
The recipe suggests using 4 kebab skewers to hold the 12 sausages.
Does this recipe contain any nutmeg?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for an aromatic flavor profile.
Is this a traditional Nigerian dish?
This recipe is inspired by Nigerian flavors, particularly through its use of specific spices and grilling techniques.
Can these be cooked indoors?
While traditionally grilled over hot coals, they can be prepared using an indoor grill or grill pan.
What is the sodium content?
The sodium content is not specified as salt is added 'to taste'.
How do I ensure the meat stays on the skewer?
Mold the meat firmly around the skewer after threading to ensure it adheres well.
Are these skewers spicy?
Yes, the inclusion of ground dried chile provides a 'spicy' kick as indicated by the title.