Name: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500 grams ground chicken; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil, for grilling; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Pinch of salt

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Introduction

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings together tender spiced chicken meatballs and a refreshing, tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty appetizer, this recipe is simple yet impressive.

The image shows five grilled meat skewers placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture beneath. Each skewer contains oval-shaped grilled meat pieces with a golden-brown, slightly charred surface. On top of each piece sits a dollop of creamy white sauce mixed with chopped green herbs, which also spreads across the bottom of the plate, garnished with whole green parsley leaves. The wooden sticks of the skewers extend out from the top right side beyond the plate. The colors mainly include golden brown, white, and bright green, creating a fresh and appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 grams ground chicken
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch of salt (for the yogurt sauce)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 2: Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas, about the size of a golf ball.
Step 3: Preheat the grill and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the koftas for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
Step 5: While the koftas are grilling, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing the yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Step 6: Serve the hot grilled koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips & Variations

Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture if you like some heat.
For extra flavor, marinate the formed koftas in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before grilling.
Swap out parsley for fresh cilantro to give the dish a slightly different aroma.
If you don’t have a grill, cook the koftas in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.

Storage

Store any leftover koftas and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat koftas gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out. The yogurt sauce is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of multiple small, oval-shaped grilled meat pieces arranged tightly on a metal grill pan. Each piece has a browned, slightly crispy outside with small green herb pieces and red chili bits visible inside the juicy meat. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top of the meat for garnish. The background includes some blurred green leaves and a red tomato, while the surface underneath is a white marbled texture. The metal grill pan has a shiny surface and the meat pieces appear well-cooked with grill marks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work similarly in this recipe.

How do I know when the koftas are cooked?

Cook the koftas until they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and are no longer pink inside. They should be firm to the touch and nicely browned on the outside.