Description
To truly appreciate this dish, it helps to understand what makes it so special. At its core, this meal is a brilliant modern twist on a beloved classic. Traditional kofta involves seasoned ground meat, usually beef, lamb, or a combination of both, mixed with fresh herbs and warming spices, then shaped into logs or meatballs and grilled over an open flame. While grilling offers a wonderful smoky flavor, it requires constant monitoring, turning, and multiple dishes to prepare the accompanying rice side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Kofta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Rice
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2½ cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Toasted almonds or pine nuts (optional)
- Plain yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine all the kofta ingredients and mix gently. Shape into 16–18 small meatballs.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add the rinsed rice, diced onion, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, turmeric, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Arrange the kofta meatballs evenly over the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the meatballs are browned and the rice is tender.
- Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with parsley and toasted nuts, and serve with plain yogurt if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510 kcal
Keywords: one pan kofta and rice, baked mediterranean meatballs and rice, easy one pot meatball rice bake