Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta | YumFoodUsa

Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta

Juicy, herb-packed beef kofta baked with golden potatoes and finished with a creamy lemon-tahini sauce — this rich, comforting Middle Eastern tray bake delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. It’s a delicious and well-balanced meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta is a complete and hearty dish that combines spiced meat, tender potatoes, and a tangy, velvety sauce in a single pan. The fresh herbs and spices in the kofta offer warmth and complexity, while the lemon-tahini drizzle ties everything together with its nutty creaminess. It’s gluten-free, oven-friendly, and makes an ideal centerpiece for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Kofta:

  • ground beef or lamb
  • small onion, grated
  • garlic cloves, minced
  • fresh parsley, chopped
  • fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ground cumin
  • ground coriander
  • paprika
  • salt and black pepper

For the Tray Bake:

  • medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • olive oil
  • salt

For the Tahini Sauce:

  • tahini
  • lemon juice
  • water
  • garlic, minced
  • salt

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the kofta ingredients: ground meat, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well by hand.
  3. Shape the mixture into small oval-shaped logs and place them spaced apart in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Toss the potato slices in olive oil and a pinch of salt. Layer them around and on top of the kofta.
  5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. While the dish bakes, prepare the tahini sauce: whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add more water to thin if needed.
  7. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and pour the tahini sauce evenly over the kofta and potatoes.
  8. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
  9. Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or a crisp green salad.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 430 kcal

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace kofta with falafel or roasted eggplant slices and follow the same baking steps.
  • Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the kofta mix.
  • Add Vegetables: Layer in zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers with the potatoes for extra color and nutrients.
  • Creamy Finish: Mix a spoon of yogurt into the tahini sauce for a smoother texture and richer taste.
  • Lamb Lovers: For a more traditional flavor, use all lamb instead of beef or a beef-lamb mix.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated — the flavors deepen over time.

FAQs

Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mix and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes. Freeze before or after baking in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw and reheat fully before serving.

What does tahini taste like?

Tahini has a rich, nutty flavor similar to sesame seeds. When mixed with lemon and garlic, it becomes tangy and savory.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness and pair well with the tahini sauce.

How do I keep the kofta moist?

Using grated onion and fresh herbs helps retain moisture. Don’t overbake once the tahini sauce is added.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the breadcrumbs (if used) and tahini are certified gluten-free.

Can I grill the kofta instead?

Yes, you can grill the kofta separately and bake just the potatoes and tahini sauce if preferred.

What’s a good side dish?

Serve with bulgur, couscous, tabbouleh, or a cucumber yogurt salad for a fresh balance.

How do I thin out the tahini sauce?

Gradually add more water or a splash of olive oil until you reach your preferred consistency.

Is tahini sauce served warm or cold?

In this recipe, it’s poured on before the second bake and served warm. You can also reserve a little cold sauce for drizzling.

Conclusion

Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta is a comforting and satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines juicy, spiced meatballs, tender potatoes, and a rich tahini-lemon sauce into one stunning bake. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a reliable and impressive recipe for any day of the week. Serve with simple sides, and enjoy the cozy, delicious harmony of herbs, spices, and creamy tahini.

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Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta

Mouthwatering Tahini Kofta

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Juicy, herb-packed beef kofta baked with golden potatoes and finished with a creamy lemon-tahini sauce — a rich, comforting Middle Eastern dish bursting with bold flavor and texture.

  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Kofta:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For the Tray Bake:
  • 23 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to season
  • Tahini Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup water (plus more if needed)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix all kofta ingredients. Shape into oval logs and arrange in the baking dish.
  3. Toss potato slices in olive oil and a little salt. Arrange around and over the kofta.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt to make the sauce. Adjust water for desired consistency.
  6. Remove foil and pour tahini sauce evenly over the kofta and potatoes.
  7. Return to oven uncovered and bake another 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
  8. Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Use a mix of parsley and cilantro for balanced herb flavor.
  • Slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure proper cooking.
  • Tahini sauce may thicken in the oven — loosen with warm water when reheating.
  • For extra texture, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes until lightly browned.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
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