Today, I want to share a summer dish that combines a multitude of flavors I discovered through the years. Yes, they are from different cultures, but somehow, they blend perfectly together and summarize the best of how we cook around this household. So, without further ado, let's start.

Instructions:

Prepare the Kofta:

• Grind the beef with parsley, spring onions, and green garlic in a meat grinder. If you don't have a grinder, you can use pre-ground beef and blend the rest in a food processor.
• Add the spices and the yogurt to the mixture and mix well.

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• Refrigerate while preparing the other components.

Make the Parsley Pesto:

• Using a hand blender or a high-powered blender, make a paste with parsley, green garlic, mint, walnuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and salt.

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Prepare the Salad:

• Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a bowl.
• Add olive oil, salt, and sumac (or lemon powder/lemon juice).

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• Mix well and let it rest.

Make the Tahini Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix tahini with cold water until it becomes liquid.
• Add harissa to taste, combine, and set aside.

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Cook the Kofta:

• Heat the grill pan and form the kofta into ping-pong ball-sized patties.
• Cook on a hot grill over medium heat, drizzling with olive oil, for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until done.

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• Alternatively, cook them indoors in a cast iron skillet, covering them with a lid to keep them juicy.

Assemble the Dish:‍

• Place a base of parsley pesto, Greek yogurt, salad, kofta patties, and toasted pine nuts.
• Drizzle with tahini sauce and harissa, then serve.

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Origins and Flavors:

This beef kofta recipe is a harmonious blend of spices, herbs, and flavors from different regions. 

The kofta meatballs are influenced by Middle Eastern cuisine, while the parsley pesto carries Mediterranean flavors. The salad and tahini sauce add freshness and a hint of spice, making the dish a perfect combination of robust and refreshing tastes that beautifully blend.

A few notes:

If you can't find green garlic, you can replace it with 1-2 cloves. Furthermore, you can use lamb instead of beef.

FAQ:

Let's answer some questions that might arise:

Q: What are kofta meatballs? 

A: Kofta meatballs are a type of spiced meatball, often made from ground beef, lamb, or a combination, mixed with various herbs and spices.

Q: Where did kofta originate from? 

A: Kofta originated from the Middle East, particularly Persia, and has variations across the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa.

Q: Can you cook kofta in the oven? 

A: Yes, you can bake kofta in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the kofta on a baking tray, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

Conclusion:

I hope you will test this dish, relish its fusion of flavors, and tag us along when you do!