Description
This Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini and Tzatziki is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired recipe featuring seasoned ground beef skewers grilled to perfection and served with creamy tahini sauce and refreshing tzatziki. Ideal for a quick, delicious meal that serves 8 people in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Tahini Sauce
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kefta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Kefta: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each portion around a soaked wooden skewer, shaping them into long sausage-like forms to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Kefta: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the kefta skewers for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and have a nice charred exterior.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: While the kefta is grilling, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with additional water if necessary to achieve a smooth, pourable sauce.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the hot spicy beef kefta skewers with the tahini sauce and tzatziki on the side. Accompany with pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the cucumber is well-drained to avoid watery tzatziki.
- For a crispier outer layer on the kefta, preheat the grill pan adequately before cooking.
- Use fresh parsley and dill for the best flavor in both kefta and tzatziki.
