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Juicy Middle Eastern Kofta Kebab Skewers Recipe with Easy Creamy Tzatziki

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These juicy Middle Eastern kofta kebab skewers with creamy tzatziki combine bold spices and tender meat for a flavorful, quick, and easy meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or a mix of lamb and beef for extra juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground allspice (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for brushing the skewers)
  • 1 cup (240ml) Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, about 5 minutes.
  2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With damp hands, mold each portion around a skewer into a long oval shape about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Press firmly but gently. This takes about 10 minutes.
  3. Place the skewers on a tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and help the kofta hold their shape.
  4. While the kofta chills, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir until combined and refrigerate until serving, about 10 minutes.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush skewers lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, turning carefully to brown all sides evenly. Cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 10–12 minutes.
  7. Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with creamy tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or fresh salad.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meat to keep it tender. Chill the shaped skewers before grilling to help them hold their shape. Brush skewers with olive oil to prevent sticking. Do not press down on the skewers while grilling to retain juiciness. For a dairy-free tzatziki, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and omit dill if desired. If kofta mixture is too soft, add a tablespoon of fine breadcrumbs or soaked bread to bind.

Nutrition

Keywords: kofta, kebab, Middle Eastern, lamb, beef, skewers, tzatziki, grilled, easy dinner, Mediterranean

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/juicy-middle-eastern-kofta-kebab-skewers-recipe-with-easy-creamy-tzatziki/