Beef Kofta Kebabs with Lemon Herb Couscous

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers for grilling
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup couscous
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or mint), chopped

Steps

1. 1 In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. 2 Form the mixture into small oblong shapes and thread onto skewers.
3. 3 Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. 4 Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
5. 5 Fluff couscous with a fork and mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
6. 6 Serve the kofta kebabs with a generous portion of lemon herb couscous.

Equipment

• grill
• skewers
• saucepan

Variations

• For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
• Add diced tomatoes and olives to the couscous for extra flavor.

Substitutions

• If you don’t have fresh herbs, use 1 tsp dried parsley and mint combined.
• Use vegetable stock instead of water for a richer couscous flavor.

Pairings

• A crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon.
• Warm pita bread on the side

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the kofta in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.

Storage

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the couscous moist.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

FAQ