Kofta Bil Tahina is a delicious and flavourful dish popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
The dish consists of tender and juicy meatballs made with ground beef or lamb flavoured with fragrant spices and roast potatoes cooked in a creamy and flavorful tahini sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to entertaining guests for an intimate dinner and especially for iftar during Ramadan. The combination of aromatic spices and the rich tahini sauce creates a satisfying and comforting flavour that will have you coming back for more. Serve this dish with Calrose, vermicelli rice, and a Fattoush salad for a complete meal.
Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s get cooking!
Basic Ingredients for Kofta bil Tahina
- Beef: This is the main protein source in the dish. Ground beef is a popular choice for kofta because it is flavorful and easy to shape into balls. It is also a good protein, iron, and other essential nutrients source.
- Red onion: a staple in many dishes and is often used for its sweetness and mild flavour.
- Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that adds sweetness and acidity to dishes.
- Red capsicum: also known as red bell pepper, is a colourful addition to the dish.
- Parsley is a flavorful herb that adds freshness and a pop of colour to the dish.
- Garlic is a staple ingredient in many middle eastern dishes and is known for its strong, pungent flavour.
- Green chilli: adds heat and flavour to the dish.
- 7 spices: this is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend that includes cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper and cardamom. It adds depth of flavour and a warm, aromatic taste to the dish. How to make 7 spices mix!
- Potatoes: are often used in kofta dishes to add a hearty, filling element.
- Tahini: is a paste made from ground sesame seeds and is a key ingredient in the tahini sauce.
- Yoghurt: Yoghurt is a creamy ingredient that adds richness and tanginess to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: adds acidity and brightness to the sauce.
- Paprika: is a spice that adds a smoky, sweet flavour to the sauce.
alternative ingredients
- Ground lamb or chicken instead of beef: These meats could be used instead of ground beef to change up the flavour of the kofta.
- Ras el hanout or garam masala instead of 7 spices: Ras el hanout is another Middle Eastern spice blend that could be used instead of 7 spices. Garam Masala is an Indian spice blend I like to use as an alternative to the 7 spice mix.
- Sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes: Sweet potatoes could be used instead of regular potatoes for a healthier, lower-carb option.
- Peanut butter instead of tahini: You could use almond or peanut butter to make the sauce if you don’t have tahini.
- Sour cream instead of yoghurt: Sour cream could be used for a tangy, creamy sauce instead of yoghurt.
- Lime juice instead of lemon juice: Lime juice could be used instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavour.
PREPARATION TIPS for Kofta bil Tahina
- Use a food processor: To make the kofta mixture; you can use a food processor to quickly and easily chop the onion, garlic, and parsley.
- Chill the kofta mixture: Once the kofta mixture is made, it’s a good idea to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping it into balls. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
- Use wet hands to shape the kofta: Wetting your hands with cold water before shaping the kofta mixture into balls will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Brown the kofta before adding the sauce: Brown it in a hot pan or nbake it over with a little bit of oil before adding the tahini sauce. This will help develop a rich, flavorful crust outside of the meatballs.
- Roast or fry the potatoes before adding the sauce: this ensures the potatoes keep their shape and adds more flavour to the final kids
- Simmer the kofta and potatoes in the sauce: Once the tahini sauce is added to the pan, reduce the heat and let the kofta and potatoes simmer in the sauce for at least 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavours to meld together and for the kofta to cook through.
- Serve with accompaniments: Kofta Bil Tahina is typically served with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a cucumber and tomato salad to round out the meal.
SERVING TIPS for Kofta bil Tahina
- Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top of the kofta and tahini sauce before serving to add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.
- Serve the kofta with lemon wedges on the side so diners can squeeze extra lemon juice over the top if desired.
- Enjoy with Calrose rice and vermicelli or Arabic bread and a side of your favourite salad. We enjoy having this dish with a hearty bowl of Fattoush salad.
storage tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container: Once the kofta has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave: Place the kofta in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave it for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Freeze for later: You can also freeze the kofta and tahini sauce for later. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and storing it in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- Thaw and reheat before serving: When you’re ready to eat the frozen kofta, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Then, reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.
Kofta bil Tahini (Full Video)
Arabian Nights Overnight Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup (heaping) rolled oats
- ⅔ cup unsweetened milk of choice
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- ½ tsp orange blossom
- 2 tbsp pistachio silvers
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 4 mejdoul dates, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp date syrup or maple syrup
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients in amedium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Close and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, butpreferably overnight before eating.
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