Description
A flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired meal featuring spiced beef kefta patties served with creamy homemade hummus and a refreshing tomato cucumber salad. Perfect for a wholesome and balanced dinner in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Kefta
- 500 grams (about 1 pound) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Hummus
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (about 400 grams or 14 ounces) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed for consistency
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Kefta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Hummus: In a food processor, blend together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Add the drained chickpeas and continue blending until the mixture is creamy. Add water gradually to reach the desired consistency and season with salt to taste.
- Prepare the Tomato Cucumber Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and chopped fresh mint. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt. Toss gently to combine and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Kefta: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Shape the beef mixture into patties of equal size. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through to the desired doneness.
- Assemble and Serve: On a serving platter, arrange the cooked beef kefta patties alongside a generous scoop of the creamy hummus and a portion of the fresh tomato cucumber salad. Garnish with additional fresh mint if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
- To make the hummus smoother, peel the chickpeas before blending.
- The salad can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in both the kefta and salad.
- Ground lamb can be substituted for beef for a richer taste.
