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Lebanese Kofta Meatballs with Cucumber Mint Sauce

Delicious Lebanese Kofta Meatballs with Cool Cucumber Mint Sauce

Experience the flavors of Lebanese Kofta Meatballs with Cucumber Mint Sauce, a delightful Middle Eastern dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef 80/20 fat ratio for juiciness
  • 1/2 pound Ground Lamb Optional for traditional flavor
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Grated
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional for spiciness
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For cooking
For the Cucumber Mint Sauce
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Or dairy-free yogurt
  • 1 large Cucumber Grated and drained
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 clove Additional Garlic Finely minced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint (for sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt To taste
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for drizzle) Optional

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • grill
  • Parchment paper
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

How to Make Lebanese Kofta Meatballs
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped mint, and salt. Stir together until smooth, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently blend the ground beef, optional ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and spices. Mix until just combined.
  3. With lightly oiled hands, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into meatballs, about 16-18 total. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Cook by pan-frying in heated olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, baking at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, or grilling for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  5. Plate the hot kofta meatballs alongside the chilled cucumber mint sauce, garnish with mint, and serve with warm pita.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Optional: Drizzle with olive oil before serving for additional richness. Adjust spices to taste for preferred flavor balance.

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