Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and tradition? Dive into the world of Middle Eastern cuisine with our irresistible "Kofta Secrets Soft Juicy Meatballs"! These succulent meatballs, infused with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, are not only simple to prepare but also guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. In just 45 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to discover the secrets behind these delectable kofta meatballs that are sure to elevate your dinner table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground lamb or beef, 1 small grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef with the grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon to the meat mixture. Continue to mix until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Once the mixture is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
- While the mixture is resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- After the resting period, remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator. Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 18-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once all the meatballs are on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should no longer be pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare a side dish or sauce to accompany them, such as a yogurt sauce or a fresh salad. This will enhance the flavors of the kofta.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring they remain soft and juicy.
- Serve the kofta meatballs warm with your choice of sides, such as pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality ground lamb or beef. If you can, try to find meat with a bit of fat content, as this will keep your meatballs juicy.
- Let the Mixture Rest: Allowing the meat mixture to rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes not only melds the flavors but also helps the meatballs maintain their shape during cooking.
- Shape Evenly: To ensure even cooking, try to make your meatballs uniform in size, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. This will help them cook evenly and look great on the plate!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, cut one in half. It should be no longer pink in the center. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Serve with Accompaniments: Enhance the meal by serving your kofta meatballs with a yogurt sauce or a fresh salad. Pita bread or rice also makes for excellent sides that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a delicious lunch the next day or can be added to wraps for a quick meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
