Go Back
–+ servings
Lebanese Kofta Meatballs with Cucumber Mint Sauce

Lebanese Kofta Meatballs with Cucumber Mint Sauce Bliss

Explore the flavors of Lebanese Kofta Meatballs with Cucumber Mint Sauce, a perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef use 80/20 for best flavor
  • 1 lb Ground Lamb optional; replace with equal beef if preferred
  • 1 small Yellow Onion grated
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground Allspice
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt season generously
  • 1 tsp Cayenne or Aleppo Pepper optional
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil for frying or baking
Cucumber Mint Sauce
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 large Cucumber grated and drained
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • to taste Salt for seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil for drizzle

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet
  • Oven
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped mint. Stir well and season with salt. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Kofta
  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef (or lamb), grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until combined.
Form Meatballs
  1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Repeat to form 16-18 meatballs and place on a parchment-lined tray.
Cook the Kofta
  1. Choose to pan-fry, bake, or grill. For pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
  2. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve
  1. Remove meatballs from heat and let rest. Serve warm with cucumber mint sauce and warm pita or flatbread.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Keep the mixture light to avoid toughness and feel free to experiment with spices based on your taste preferences.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!