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.


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