Kofta Bi Tahini: A Delicious One-Dish Meal for Your Family
Description
Kofta Bi Tahini, a flavorful and traditional dish hailing from the heart of Palestinian cuisine, combines the rich flavors of lamb with the creamy, nutty essence of tahini. This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences, whether you wish to savor it with warm Arabic bread, accompanied by a drizzle of tahini sauce, or over a bed of fluffy rice with a generous helping of sauce. To complement the meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Arabic salad or your favorite side salad. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only delicious but also filling, making it an ideal one-dish meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb | 350 grams |
| Fresh parsley | 3/4 cup |
| Onions | 2 medium |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Baharat (spice mix) | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground cardamom | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Potatoes | 2 medium |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Medium grain rice | 2 cups |
| Tahini | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 386.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 19.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 85.7 mg |
| Sodium | 661.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Sugars | 3.8 g |
| Protein | 25.9 g |
Cook Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Recipe Instructions
-
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
Begin by grinding the lamb, fresh parsley, and onions together using a meat grinder fitted with the finest disk to achieve a finely minced mixture. If a meat grinder is unavailable, finely chop the parsley and onions by hand until they reach a similar consistency. -
-
Add Spices and Oil:
Transfer the minced meat mixture to a large bowl and incorporate the salt, baharat spice blend, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, and olive oil. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. -
Shape the Kofta:
With clean hands, mold the meat mixture into finger-sized shapes, approximately 3-4 inches long. Arrange the kofta in a large skillet or a baking pan, ensuring they cover the entire surface area for even cooking. -
Prepare the Potatoes:
While shaping the kofta, peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a separate frying pan over medium heat, then add the potato slices and fry them until they are lightly golden and crisp on both sides. Once cooked, set them aside to drain on paper towels. -
Arrange Potatoes Over Kofta:
Once the kofta are in the pan, artfully arrange the fried potato slices on top of the kofta, filling any gaps as necessary to create an appealing presentation. -
Make the Tahini Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the tahini with fresh lemon juice and whisk together until a smooth paste forms. Gradually add water while continuously stirring, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and pourable. The final consistency should be similar to that of a thick salad dressing. -
Combine and Cook:
Pour the tahini sauce evenly over the arranged kofta and potatoes. If the sauce does not completely cover the kofta, mix a bit more water with additional tahini to create a thinner sauce, adding just enough to cover the top of the potatoes. For the version served with rice, you may need slightly more water. -
Simmer:
Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low to medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the water has evaporated to form a semi-thick sauce at the bottom of the pan. The kofta should be cooked through and infused with the flavors of the tahini and spices. -
Finish Under the Grill:
For an added touch of flavor, place the pan under the grill for a few minutes to brown the top of the kofta and potatoes, creating a delightful crispy texture. -
Serve:
Once cooked and browned, remove the pan from the heat. Serve your delicious Kofta Bi Tahini warm, accompanied by soft Arabic bread for dipping or over a generous serving of rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy with a side of Arabic salad or your favorite fresh greens.
Tips for Serving
- To elevate your meal, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sumac for a burst of color and flavor.
- Pair this dish with a refreshing yogurt sauce or a drizzle of extra tahini for added creaminess.
Conclusion
Kofta Bi Tahini is a wonderfully satisfying one-dish meal that brings the warm flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. With its aromatic spices and the creamy richness of tahini, it is sure to become a beloved favorite among family and friends. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this dish and the delightful experience of sharing a meal together.
Keywords
Kofta, Tahini, Lamb, Middle Eastern Cuisine, One Dish Meal, Arabic Bread, Rice Dish, Family Recipe, Traditional Palestinian Food
