Description
This complete meal bowl features spiced, flame-seared meatballs served alongside a fragrant grain base and fresh sides. Our grilled kofta couscous bowls combine juicy ground meat patties infused with aromatic garlic, mint, cumin, and coriander with a quick-steamed couscous base that soaks up all the flavorful meat juices.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Kofta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Couscous
- 1½ cups couscous
- 1½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup toasted almonds or pine nuts (optional)
For the Bowl Toppings
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup hummus
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki
- Pickled onions (optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Kofta
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small oval patties or logs around skewers.
- Brush lightly with olive oil.
2. Grill the Kofta
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the kofta for 4–6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and rest for a few minutes.
3. Make the Couscous
- Bring broth to a boil and stir in olive oil and salt.
- Remove from heat, add couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and mix in lemon juice, parsley, and nuts if using.
4. Assemble the Bowls
- Divide couscous between four bowls.
- Add grilled kofta, cucumber, tomatoes, hummus, and yogurt sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra juicy kofta, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Lamb adds a richer traditional flavor, while beef makes a lighter everyday version.
- You can prepare the kofta mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it before grilling.
- Add roasted vegetables or a spicy harissa sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern