Description
Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki is a tantalizing dish featuring flavorful ground beef patties seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. Served alongside creamy tahini sauce and refreshing tzatziki, this Middle Eastern-inspired meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Kefta:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or pan-frying)
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
- Pinch of salt
For the Tzatziki:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kefta: In a large bowl, mix ground beef with grated onion, garlic, parsley, tomato paste, and spices. Shape into small oval patties or logs.
- Cook the Kefta: Heat olive oil in a skillet or preheat a grill. Cook kefta for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Gradually add water until smooth.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: Combine yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready.
- Serve: Enjoy the kefta hot with sauces on the side, paired with flatbread, rice, or salad.
Notes
- You can use ground lamb or a beef-lamb blend for varied taste.
- The sauces can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the kefta over charcoal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Armenian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 kefta with sauces
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg