Grilled Kofta Meatballs with Rice and Yogurt Sauce

Grilled Kofta Meatballs with Rice and Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:

**For the Kofta Meatballs:**
– 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
– 1 small onion, grated or finely minced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt to taste
– 1 egg (optional, for binding)
– 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
– Olive oil for grilling

**For the Yogurt Sauce:**
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint or parsley, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

**For Serving:**
– Cooked rice (white, brown, or a pilaf)
– Fresh parsley or mint for garnish
– Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Kofta Meatballs:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
– If the mixture is too wet, add the egg and breadcrumbs to help bind it. Mix until just combined.
– Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
– Brush each meatball lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. **Grill the Kofta Meatballs:**
– Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
– Place the meatballs on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.
– Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

3. **Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:**
– In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped mint or parsley.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.

4. **Serve:**
– Serve the grilled kofta meatballs over a bed of cooked rice.
– Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.
– Garnish with fresh parsley or mint and lemon wedges.

5. **Enjoy:**
– This dish is best enjoyed with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables on the side.

### Tips:
– You can also bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes if you don’t have access to a grill.
– Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Some variations include adding paprika or sumac for a different flavor profile.

This dish is a perfect combination of savory, aromatic spices and fresh, tangy yogurt sauce, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking!