Home Recipes Cumin-Spiced Beef Kofta

Cumin-Spiced Beef Kofta

Grill 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes to overnight to chill

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1/3 cup olive oil, divided
  • 2 lemons (1 zested and juiced for the oil, 1 cut into wedges for serving)
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted (optional)

Method

  1. Combine ground beef with grated onion, half the garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, chopped parsley, mint, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper; mix gently by hand until just combined — overworking makes kofta dense.
  2. Cover and chill 30 minutes to overnight; this lets the flavors meld and firms the mixture for shaping.
  3. Shape into oblong kofta logs (on skewers if you like) or small thick patties.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy skillet or grill pan over high heat.
  5. Sear the kofta, turning occasionally, 8-10 minutes total until deeply browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
  6. Meanwhile, whisk together remaining olive oil, remaining garlic, a small handful of chopped parsley, and the zest and juice of the lemon with a pinch of salt for the garlic-herb oil.
  7. Rest the kofta 3-5 minutes off heat.
  8. Drizzle generously with the garlic-herb oil, scatter with pine nuts if using, and serve with lemon wedges.

Chef's tip

Grate the onion instead of dicing it — it disappears into the meat, adds moisture, and keeps these kofta juicy without any filler.

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