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A table setting of two kofta meat skewers on top of yoghurt sauce and a gluten-free flatbread

To best describe this kofta recipe, you could say these are BBQ ground meatballs, patties or logs on a skewer seasoned with Middle Eastern spices.

Originally, kofta (meaning “to grind”) was a Persian dish, but nowadays many other countries have their own versions like India’s Malai Kofta Curry made with paneer cheese or Turkey’s Köfte Meatballs. Most koftas are made using ground beef but can also be made with lamb, chicken, seafood, vegetables or pulses.

How to eat Kofta Meat Skewers:

Besides being a hit with both adults and children, these skewers are terrific and easy to cook for a crowd as they can be made in advance and take under 15 minutes to cook on a hot grill or outdoor barbecue.

Mezze Platter

Mezze platters are a great way of offering a selection of Middle Eastern warm and cold dishes to share. All the hard work of preparing various dishes pays off when the mezze platter is served in one go and you can relax to eat and enjoy your company without any interruptions.

An adobe photo of a table serving of kofta meat skewers

Serve them with freshly made gluten-free flatbreads and yoghurt sauce together with an assortment of dips, pickles and salads, especially Tabbouleh, a refreshing, vibrant salad (recipe coming next week!)

Several gluten-free flatbreads stacked on a serving tray
Meatball Sandwich

Serve them in a warm gluten-free baguette (like a regular meatball subway roll) and dress them with the yoghurt sauce.

Meatballs with Pilau Rice

Shape them into meatballs and fry or oven bake them. Serve them with pilau rice, feta cheese, dates and hummus.

A table setting of kofta meat balls with pilau rice and hummus
Some Info on ingredients used:
Bread

Torn up pieces of gluten-free bread are soaked in either water or milk to act as a filler and to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry by absorbing any meat juices released while grilling. They also help bind the meat together on the skewers.

Any bread type can be used, whether it is white, mock rye, flatbread or focaccia. Just remove any hard crusts and use the soft part of the bread. This part will absorb the liquid easier.

Kofta Spice Blend

The recipe uses only dried spices, Aleppo chilli flakes and seasonings, which can be made in bulk and stored in a glass sealed jar for a maximum of 6 months.

If you prefer to buy, store-bought kofta seasoning can be found in most Middle Eastern supermarkets.

A bowl with all the spices measured to make the kofta spice blend
Mince or Ground Meat

 For these koftas, I recommend using either mince/ground beef or lamb. Aim for the regular fat content rather than light mince as these will make the koftas dry and fragile.

Pomegranate Molasses

This luscious dark and concentrated syrup is made from the juice of sour (not sweet) pomegranates, adding an intriguing sweet-and-sour flavour to many Middle Eastern and Turkish dishes, including these koftas.

If you are buying it for the first time, you should be able to find a bottle at most international supermarkets or specifically, Middle Eastern or Turkish supermarkets. It is also possible to find it online on Amazon.

When grilling the skewers, may sure your grill is well-greased and hot. Do not force the koftas off the grill. If they appear stuck, allow more time for them to cook. They will lift off easily when they are cooked and ready.

A table setting of two kofta meat skewers on top of yoghurt sauce and a gluten-free flatbread

Gluten-Free Kofta Meat Skewers

by Sandra - Fun Without Gluten
You could say these are BBQ meatballs on a skewer but they have an enormous punch of Middle Eastern flavour, seasoned with a homemade kofta spice blend. They go so well with freshly made flatbreads and yoghurt sauce together with an assortment of salads, especially tabbouleh, a refreshing, vibrant salad.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Party Food
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 16 skewers (two koftas per skewer)

Equipment

Ingredients
  

KOFTA SPICE BLEND

KOFTA MEAT SKEWERS

  • 750 g minced beef or lamb
  • tbsp store-bought or homemade Kofta spice blend
  • 2 slices of either store-bought or homemade gluten-free white or brown bread
  • 3 tbsp milk or water
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses or Tamari/soy sauce
  • 1 onion, chopped finely
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped roughly
  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped roughly
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, torn roughly
  • olive oil, to brush the grill and koftas

YOGURT SAUCE

  • 100 ml Greek plain yogurt, full or low fat
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped finely
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • salt and white pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

KOFTA SPICE BLEND

  • Gather and measure all the spices.
    A bowl with all the spices measured to make the kofta spice blend
  • Whisk together in a small bowl. Set aside.

YOGHURT SAUCE

  • Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Cover and chill until serving time.

KOFTA MEAT SKEWERS

  • Gather and measure all the ingredients.
    A display of the ingredients needed to make kofta meat skewers
  • Tear the bread slices apart into small pieces.
  • Soak the bread pieces in the water for 10 mins.
    A bowl with gluten-free bread pieces soaking in water
  • Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl.
  • With wet hands, shape the meat mixture into small logs and place them on a large plate or tray.
  • Chill for 30 mins. This will keep the koftas intact while cooking.
  • Drain the water from the skewer sticks and start assembling the koftas by threading two kofta logs onto each stick.
    Several kofta meat skewers being assembled
  • Once all of them are assembled, return them to the fridge for another 30 mins to firm up further.

Grilling

  • Heat either a griddle pan or a BBQ grill to medium heat.
  • Brush or spray the surface with some oil.
  • Start grilling the koftas for 4-5 mins on each side, brushing them lightly with oil. TIP: Do not force the koftas off the grill. If they appear stuck, allow more time for them to cook. They will lift off easily when they are cooked and ready.
    Several kofta meat skewers being grilled on a cast iron skillet
  • Transfer the cooked koftas to a serving plate and cover with some foil.

Serving

  • Serve immediately with warm flatbread, yoghurt sauce and tabbouleh salad.
    A close up photo of two kofta meat skewers on top of a gluten-free flatbread

Notes

  • Keeps for 2 days chilled
  • Suitable to freeze uncooked and cooked
Keyword gluten-free barbecue, gluten-free mezze food, gluten-free middle eastern, gluten-free party food
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Please mention @fun_without_gluten or tag #funwithoutgluten!
A close up photo of two kofta meat skewers on top of a gluten-free flatbread

 

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