Tahini Kofta
A comforting Middle Eastern classic featuring succulent spiced beef patties baked in a rich, velvety, and tangy tahini sauce.
Ingredients
- •1 lb (450g) ground beef
- •1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- •1 small yellow onion, finely grated
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tsp ground allspice
- •1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- •1 tsp salt
- •1/2 tsp black pepper
- •1/2 cup high-quality tahini paste
- •1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- •1 cup warm water
- •2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- •1/4 cup toasted pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, parsley, grated onion, half the garlic, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until the spices are evenly distributed.
- 3
Shape the meat mixture into small, oval-shaped patties about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- 4
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the kofta patties for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
- 5
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, remaining garlic, and warm water until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add a splash more water.
- 6
Pour the tahini sauce into the same skillet used for the meat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Nestle the seared kofta patties into the sauce.
- 7
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened and the meat is cooked through.
- 8
Garnish with toasted pine nuts and extra fresh parsley before serving warm over fluffy basmati rice or with warm pita bread.
💡 Chef tips
- If the tahini sauce separates or looks too thick after baking, whisk in a tablespoon of hot water to emulsify it back to a smooth consistency before serving.
- You can prepare the kofta patties up to 4 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to sear and bake.
- For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of ground cardamom to the meat mixture.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features tender, aromatic beef patties coated in a silky, nutty, and bright lemon-tahini sauce that smells earthy and fragrant.