Kofta in Tomato Sauce

A beloved and hearty Arabic dish, Kofta with Tomato Sauce combines spiced ground beef with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. It’s a perfect homemade lunch, easy to prepare, and ideal for family gatherings. Serve with white rice, Arabic bread, or fries.

Cooking Time:

60 minutes

Serves:

4 people

Ingredients:

For the Kofta:

• Ground beef: 500 grams (with ~20% fat)

• Onion: 1 medium (finely chopped)

• Parsley: ½ cup (chopped)

• Garlic: 2 cloves (crushed)

• Black pepper: ½ tsp

• Mixed spices: 1 tsp

• Paprika: ½ tsp

• Salt: 1 tsp

• Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp (to grease the baking tray)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• Tomatoes: 5 medium (peeled and thickly sliced or diced)

• Onion: 1 small (sliced thin or finely diced)

• Garlic: 2 cloves (crushed or thinly sliced)

• Tomato paste: 2 tbsp

• Hot water: 1½ cups

• Olive oil: 2 tbsp

• Green chili (optional): 1 (sliced)

• Salt and black pepper: To taste

• Sugar: ½ tsp (to reduce acidity of the tomatoes)

• Dried coriander (optional): ½ tsp

• Parsley (for garnish): Chopped, as desired

• Green chili slices (for garnish): Optional

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Kofta:

   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, parsley, garlic, black pepper, mixed spices, paprika, and salt.

   • Knead the mixture well by hand for 5–7 minutes until smooth and fully combined. This helps the kofta hold its shape during cooking.

   • Shape the kofta into patties or logs, as desired.

2. Make the Tomato Sauce:

   • In a wide pan over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.

   • Add garlic and chili slices (if using); stir for a minute until fragrant.

   • Add tomato paste and stir for 1–2 minutes.

   • Add sliced or diced tomatoes and stir gently.

   • Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and dried coriander (if using). Pour in the hot water.

   • Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly and the tomatoes soften.

3. Bake the Kofta:

   • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

   • Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. Arrange the kofta pieces in the dish.

   • Pour the hot tomato sauce over the kofta, ensuring most of the pieces are covered.

   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.

4. Finish & Serve:

   • Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce reduces further and the kofta takes on a golden-brown color.

   • Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley and green chili slices.

   • Serve hot with fluffy white rice, warm Arabic bread, or crispy fries.