Snacks Ideas: Kofta Kebabs, A Tasty And Healthy Snacking Option
Image Credit: Kofta kebabs, Freepik

Kebabs have been one of the most favourite snacking options for many people. They taste amazing, score well in health quotient and keep one fuller for longer without making you feel too heavy. While the meat keeps filling, the variety of spices adds flavour. So, if you are hosting a party at home or want to munch on some healthy snacking, consider kofta kebab.

Koftas were first referenced in an antique cookbook in the year 1200 as meatballs that resembled hazelnuts. Do you know that Lebanese people refer to them as "Kefta" or "Kafta," but Indians refer to them as "Kofta?" In Greece and the Middle East, the Kofta or same meatballs are called "Keftes." Keeping history aside, let's learn an easy recipe for healthy Kofta Kebabs. As they are grilled, they are pretty wholesome compared to any deep-fried snacks. 

Ingredients

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  •  1 teaspoon kosher salt
  •  1 pound ground lamb 
  • 3 tablespoons grated onion
  •  3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  •  1 tablespoon ground coriander
  •  1 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon 
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 
  • 28 bamboo skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes 

Kofta kebabs in skewer, Image Source: evolvingtable.com

Method

  • Start by pounding the garlic into a paste with the salt in a mortar and pestle. Alternatively, you can use the flat side of a chef's knife on the cutting board. 
  • In a bowl, take the pounded lamb and add the mashed garlic. Also, blend in the onion, parsley, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, ginger, and pepper. Start mixing it and give it a smooth blend so that all the ingredients are properly mixed and absorbed into the meat.
  • Now out of this meat mixture, make 28 small balls. Form each ball around the tip of a skewer, flattening it into a 2-inch oval. Follow the same process for the rest of the skewers. 
  • Once you are done with setting the skewers with the meatballs, take a baking sheet and place the kebabs on it, cover it, and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour or a maximum of two hours.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill, keep the heat medium heat and lightly oil it. Place the skewers and cook the kebabs. Keep turning them occasionally so that they are evenly cooked. It will take around six minutes to cook them. However, if you want a crispier version, you can cook for a little more duration. 

Serve with yoghurt, flat bread, lettuce, tomato and cucumber.

For your snack ideas, try this easy-peasy kofta kebab recipe.