Name: Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Kofta:; 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb; 1 small onion, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; For the Tray Bake:; 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt to season; For the Tahini Sauce:; ⅓ cup tahini; ¼ cup lemon juice; ⅓ cup water (plus more if needed); 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt to taste

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This Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta is a rich and satisfying Middle Eastern dish that combines juicy, herb-packed beef or lamb kofta with roasted potatoes and a creamy, tangy tahini sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with bold flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion meal.

Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorsome and Juicy: The kofta is tender and infused with spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, while the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Easy and One-Pan: Everything bakes together in one dish, making this a simple, low-maintenance meal with minimal cleanup.
Perfect Balance: The creamy lemon-tahini sauce ties all the components together, giving the dish a perfect balance of savory, herby, and tangy flavors.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it great for a variety of dietary needs.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Kofta:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
1 small onion, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Tray Bake:

2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt to season

For the Tahini Sauce:

⅓ cup tahini
¼ cup lemon juice
⅓ cup water (plus more if needed)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste

directions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a baking dish.

2. Prepare the Kofta

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Shape the mixture into oval logs (kofta) and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare the Potatoes

Toss the thinly sliced potatoes in olive oil and season with salt. Arrange them around and over the kofta in the baking dish.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

4. Make the Tahini Sauce

While the kofta and potatoes are baking, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water in a bowl. Adjust the water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.

5. Bake the Kofta and Potatoes

After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the dish. Pour the tahini sauce evenly over the kofta and potatoes.
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the kofta is golden, the potatoes are tender, and the sauce is bubbling.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta hot with rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad. Garnish with extra herbs, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with plant-based ground beef or a combination of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture for an extra spicy flavor.
Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes to the tray bake for more flavor and texture.

storage/reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the kofta and potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?

Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey, but the flavor and texture will be lighter compared to beef or lamb. The spices will still make it flavorful!

Can I make the kofta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.

Can I substitute the tahini sauce?

If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute it with a yogurt-based sauce or a cashew cream sauce for a different twist.

Conclusion

This Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta is a rich and comforting Middle Eastern dish that brings bold flavors and creamy textures together in a way that’s sure to impress. With its juicy kofta, golden potatoes, and rich tahini sauce, it’s a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Enjoy this hearty meal with rice, naan, or roti for the perfect combination!