Yogurtlu Kebap (Kofta with Yogurt/Tomato Sauce)

Ground beef: The main protein component for the kofta patties, providing a rich and hearty base.

Onion: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the kofta mixture.

Garlic: Enhances the flavor profile with its pungent and aromatic qualities.

Ground cumin: A warm spice that adds depth and a slightly smoky flavor to the kofta.

Ground coriander: Provides a citrusy and slightly sweet note to balance the spices.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the kofta mixture.

Plain yogurt: Used for the yogurt sauce, offering a tangy and creamy contrast to the spiced meat.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh and zesty flavor to the yogurt sauce.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the tomato sauce, providing a rich and smooth base.

Tomato paste: The main ingredient for the tomato sauce, giving it a concentrated tomato flavor.

Water: Used to thin out the tomato paste and create a sauce consistency.

Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato paste, adding a hint of sweetness.

When forming the kofta patties, ensure they are of uniform size to promote even cooking. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the ground beef mixture from sticking to your fingers, making it easier to shape the patties.

• Ground beef - Substitute with ground lamb: Ground lamb offers a similar texture and a richer flavor that complements Middle Eastern dishes.

• Ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well for those looking to reduce fat content.

• Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, enhancing the dish without overpowering it.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh, pungent flavor of minced garlic.

• Ground cumin - Substitute with ground caraway seeds: Caraway seeds offer a similar earthy flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• Ground coriander - Substitute with ground fennel seeds: Ground fennel seeds provide a sweet and slightly licorice-like flavor, which can add an interesting twist.

• Plain yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, providing a richer texture to the sauce.

• Plain yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream offers a tangy flavor similar to yogurt, though it is slightly thicker.

• Lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a versatile substitute.

• Tomato paste - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be reduced to a thicker consistency, offering a fresher tomato flavor.

• Tomato paste - Substitute with sun-dried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste provides a more intense and concentrated tomato flavor.

• Water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and flavor to the sauce compared to plain water.

• Sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slight floral note that can enhance the dish.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami, enriching the overall flavor profile.

• Allow the kofta patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled kofta patties in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the yogurt sauce in a separate airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

• For the tomato sauce, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This ensures the sauce retains its flavor and consistency.

• Label each container with the date of preparation. This helps keep track of freshness and ensures you consume them within a safe timeframe.

• Refrigerate the kofta patties, yogurt sauce, and tomato sauce for up to 3-4 days. This maintains their optimal taste and texture.

• For freezing, place the cooled kofta patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them individually for 1-2 hours, or until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the kofta patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Freeze the yogurt sauce in a separate container. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing, but it will still be delicious.

• The tomato sauce can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag. Lay the bag flat in the freezer for efficient storage and quicker thawing.

• Label each container or bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

• Frozen kofta patties can be stored for up to 3 months, while the yogurt sauce and tomato sauce can be stored for up to 2 months.

• To reheat, thaw the kofta patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• The yogurt sauce can be thawed in the refrigerator and stirred well before serving. If it separates, a quick whisk will bring it back to its creamy consistency.

• Reheat the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.

• Serve the reheated kofta patties with the yogurt sauce and tomato sauce as you would freshly prepared. Enjoy the same delightful flavors and textures!

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the kofta patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. For the yogurt sauce, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The tomato sauce can be reheated in a small saucepan over low heat until it simmers gently.

• Stovetop Method: In a skillet, add a small amount of olive oil and heat over medium-low. Place the kofta patties in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until thoroughly warmed. Reheat the tomato sauce in a separate saucepan over low heat until it begins to simmer. The yogurt sauce should be brought to room temperature or gently warmed in the microwave.

• Microwave Method: Place the kofta patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. The yogurt sauce can be microwaved for 10-15 seconds if desired, while the tomato sauce can be microwaved in a separate bowl for about 1 minute, stirring halfway through.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, this is an excellent way to reheat without drying out the kofta patties. Seal the patties in a vacuum bag and immerse them in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) for about 20-30 minutes. The yogurt sauce and tomato sauce can be reheated separately using the microwave or stovetop methods mentioned above.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the kofta patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. The yogurt sauce should be brought to room temperature or gently warmed in the microwave, and the tomato sauce can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat to cook the kofta patties.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the kofta patties on the grill.

• Small bowl: Mix the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt for the yogurt sauce in this.

• Saucepan: Heat the olive oil and prepare the tomato sauce with tomato paste, water, sugar, and salt in this.

• Wooden spoon: Stir the tomato sauce ingredients together as they simmer.

• Measuring spoons: Measure out the spices, salt, lemon juice, and sugar accurately.

• Knife: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: Use this as a surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Serving platter: Arrange the grilled kofta patties and drizzle with yogurt and tomato sauce on this for serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ground beef with spices using a food processor to save time.

Pre-make sauces: Prepare the yogurt sauce and tomato sauce the day before and refrigerate.

Batch cooking: Grill extra kofta patties and freeze them for future meals.

Simplify grilling: Use a grill pan indoors to avoid the setup and cleanup of an outdoor grill.