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Lebanese Kofta Meatballs with Cucumber Mint Sauce

Savory Lebanese Kofta Meatballs with Cooling Cucumber Mint Sauce

Delicious Lebanese Kofta Meatballs served with a refreshing Cucumber Mint Sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Kofta
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend preferred
  • 1/2 pound ground lamb optional
  • 1 medium yellow onion grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne/Aleppo pepper optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
For the Cucumber Mint Sauce
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber grated and excess moisture squeezed out
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • baking sheet
  • Grill

Method
 

Prepare the Cucumber Mint Sauce
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped mint, and salt. Stir until well-mixed, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Kofta Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, add ground beef and ground lamb if using. Grate the onion directly in, then add minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Form the Meatballs
  1. With lightly oiled hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into oval or round meatballs, aiming for 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange on a lined baking tray.
Cook the Kofta
  1. For pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side. For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For grilling, thread onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Once cooked, let the meatballs rest. Serve warm alongside the chilled cucumber mint sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 3meatballsCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing the kofta mixture to keep it tender. Grate the onion for better blending into the mixture. Chill the sauce for enhanced flavors.

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