Beef Kofta with Yogurt Sauce

Smoky, spiced, and packed with flavor, beef kofta is a delicious twist on classic summer grilling. Whether you’re firing up the backyard barbecue or cooking over open flames at your favorite campsite, these skewered meatballs bring bold Middle Eastern-inspired flavor to the table. Easy to prep and fun to eat, they’re perfect served with flatbread, yogurt sauce, and grilled veggies.

Makes 10–12 kofta

Ingredients

For the Kofta:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10-12 metal or pre-soaked wood skewers

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into small, oval-shaped patties or logs, about 2-3 inches long, directly around the skewers. 
3. Cook the skewered kofta over your campfire or on charcoal grill over medium-high heat, rotating regularly for even cooking.
4. Cook 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mint, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
6. Remove the kofta from the heat and serve them right on the sticks.
7. Serve with the yogurt sauce for dipping, with naan bread, or salad.