Need a New Grilling Recipe? Make Kofta!
By this time of the year, your outdoor cooking adventures might start to have that “been there, done that” feel. If you’ve had your fill of hamburgers and brats, it’s time to get a little inspiration for your outdoor entertaining from another part of the world.
Kofta are Indian street food that is cooked over an open flame. They are most often made with ground beef or lamb, but there are vegetarian versions as well. Part burger, part kabob; the best way to describe a kofta is curried meatloaf on a stick.
I love this easy grilling recipe! The flavors are unusual enough to be interesting, but not so uncommon that party guests or family members will turn up their nose; plus the presentation looks like you’ve gone the extra mile.
Wrap your grilled kofta in a soft pita or tortilla and dress with traditional minty riata or serve with this quinoa salad for a heartier meal. Feel free to substitute ground chicken, turkey or veal in the recipe and adjust the heat level to taste.
- 2 lbs. ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ¼ teaspoons cumin
- 2 ¼ teaspoons coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ to 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8 skewers
- Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and gently mix together with your hands.
- Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
- Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions.
- With damp hands roll each portion into a cylinder and pierce with a skewer.
- Grill the kabobs over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
Pita bread or tortillas can be warmed on the grill for thirty seconds.
Are you a fan of Indian food? The more recipes I try the more I like it! —Karen