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 combines tender ground chicken spiced with cumin and coriander. Paired with a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce infused with lemon, it makes a perfect light meal or appetizer.

The image shows five grilled meat skewers laid closely together on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. Each skewer has browned, slightly charred meat patties that are oval-shaped with textured, crispy surfaces. On top of each meat piece, there is a dollop of creamy white sauce mixed with finely chopped green herbs, creating a fresh, speckled look. Around the skewers, the plate is generously spread with more herb sauce, giving a creamy, green-flecked base with drops of yellow oil scattered across for added shine. The wooden skewers stick out from the top end of the meat, and fresh green herb leaves are scattered for garnish. 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
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas, about the size of a golf ball elongated slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill 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 nice grill marks.
Step 5: While the koftas cook, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 6: Serve the grilled koftas warm with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the kofta mixture.
Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier sauce.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the koftas in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Fresh mint can be added to the yogurt sauce for a refreshing twist.

Storage

Store cooked koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce separate in a covered container. Reheat koftas gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. The yogurt sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

A close-up photo shows a pair of woman's hands mixing ingredients in a large silver metal bowl filled with crumbled light brown cooked ground meat, chopped white onion pieces, and bright green herbs. One woman's hand is sprinkling more herbs over the mix while the other holds a wooden spoon resting in the bowl. The bowl sits on a beige cloth over a white marbled surface, with a bulb of garlic and a brown onion slightly blurred in the background. The warm sunlight highlights the texture of the meat and freshness of the herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these koftas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture and shape them in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling to maintain freshness.

Is it possible to bake the koftas instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Bake the koftas in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked thoroughly.