Kofta bil Tahini
Kofta bil Tahini is a comforting and flavorful Saudi Arabian dish featuring seasoned meatballs or patties baked with potatoes in a creamy tahini sauce. It's a hearty meal that showcases the rich flavors of the region.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef(or a mix of beef and lamb, 20% fat recommended)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped or grated)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 0.5 bunch Fresh parsley(finely chopped)
- 1 small Green chili(deseeded and finely chopped (optional))
- 1 tbsp Seven spice mix
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Cardamom powder
- 6 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into wedges or thick slices)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for coating potatoes)
- 2 cups Tahini
- 0.66 cup Yogurt
- 2.5 cups Water(or more, as needed for sauce consistency)
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic(minced, for sauce)
- 0.25 tsp Chilli powder(for sauce (optional))
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(for sauce)
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts(toasted, for garnish (optional))
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, green chili (if using), seven spice mix, salt, black pepper, and cardamom powder. Knead the ingredients with your hands until well combined. Shape the mixture into elongated meatballs or flatten into a uniform layer in a baking dish.
💡 Tip: For a smoother texture, you can pulse the kofta mixture in a food processor a couple of times. - 2
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly season the potato wedges or slices with salt and pepper and toss them with vegetable oil. Arrange the kofta (meatballs or flattened layer) and potatoes on a large baking sheet or in a casserole dish.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Roast the kofta and potatoes for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes begin to brown and the kofta is partially cooked. The potatoes will not be fully cooked at this stage.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
While the kofta and potatoes are roasting, prepare the tahini sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, yogurt, 2.5 cups of water, lemon juice, paprika, minced garlic, chili powder (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sauce is not too thick; it should be pourable. - 5
Remove the baking sheet or casserole dish from the oven. If using a baking sheet, transfer the kofta and potatoes to a large cast iron skillet or casserole dish. Pour the tahini sauce evenly over the kofta and potatoes, ensuring everything is well-covered.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the kofta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly and is bubbling.
⏱️ 35-40 minutes - 7
While the dish is baking, toast the pine nuts in a small dry pan over medium-low heat until golden brown, if using.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Once baked, remove the Kofta bil Tahini from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh parsley.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a mix of beef and lamb can add more depth of flavor to the kofta.
- ✓Adjust the spices in the kofta mixture to your personal preference.
- ✓If the tahini sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more water or lemon juice.
- ✓Serve hot with pita bread or rice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced tomatoes and onions to the baking dish along with the kofta and potatoes.
- For a spicier dish, add more chili powder or fresh chilies to the kofta mixture or sauce.