Tahini Kofta with Potatoes Recipe
Tahini Kofta with Potatoes is an easy-to-make, flavorful, and hearty dish combining tender, spiced meat kofta with golden roasted potatoes, finished with a creamy, nutty tahini sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a balanced, comforting meal packed with warm spices and fresh herbs.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Kofta Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Roasted Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs (700g) firm waxy potatoes, peeled if desired and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
For the Tahini Sauce
- 1/3 cup tahini paste
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Warm water, as needed to thin sauce to drizzling consistency
For Garnish (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
- Sprinkle of smoked paprika or sumac
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and spices including cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is sticky enough to form into shapes.
- Shape the Kofta: Take small portions of the mixture and roll into oval-shaped meatballs about 2 inches long. Make sure they are compact to hold their shape during cooking.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel if desired and cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika to coat evenly.
- Cook the Potatoes: Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway through cooking.
- Cook the Kofta: While the potatoes roast, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the kofta meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: Whisk together tahini paste, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and gradually add warm water to thin the sauce to a smooth, drizzling consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the roasted potatoes on a serving platter, place the kofta meatballs on top, and generously drizzle the tahini sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or sumac.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for a more vibrant flavor in the kofta.
- Mix meat just enough to combine to keep kofta tender and juicy; overmixing can create a dense texture.
- Let the kofta mixture rest for 15 minutes before shaping to develop flavors and improve binding.
- Cut potatoes into even pieces to ensure uniform roasting and crispiness.
- Adjust tahini sauce thickness by adding water gradually to reach your preferred consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Tahini, Kofta, Middle Eastern, Meatballs, Roasted Potatoes, Tahini Sauce, Gluten Free, Beef Kofta, Lamb Kofta