Description
This Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta recipe features flavorful ground beef mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, grilled to perfection and served alongside creamy tahini and refreshing tzatziki sauces. Perfect for a quick and delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal, these skewered meat patties bring together smoky, spicy, and tangy elements for a balanced and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Tahini Sauce
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- Salt to taste
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kefta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring the spices and herbs are well distributed throughout the meat.
- Shape the Kefta: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Take each portion and mold it around the soaked wooden skewers into elongated sausage-like shapes, pressing firmly so they hold their form during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before placing the kefta to achieve a good char and even cooking.
- Grill the Kefta: Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, turning carefully to avoid breaking. Grill until the beef is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior, indicating optimal flavor development.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: While the kefta is grilling, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the water quantity to achieve your preferred consistency for drizzling.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving to let the flavors meld and the sauce chill.
- Serve: Serve the hot, grilled beef kefta with pita bread or flatbreads. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce, add a side of chilled tzatziki, and garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternative cooking methods.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Drain the grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- For gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free flatbreads or avoid bread altogether.
- Leftover kefta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
