Coconut Kofte Kebab Dinner Recipe
These Coconut Kofte Kebabs combine aromatic spices with tender ground meat and unsweetened coconut for a delicious, gluten-free dinner idea. Perfect for grilling or broiling, this recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with rice, flatbread, or a citrusy salad.
Equipment
- Skewers (optional, for grilling)
- Baking sheet (for broiling)
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds ground lamb or substitute ground beef or dark-meat turkey
- ½ cup ground unsweetened coconut
- 1 onion grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more as needed
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- Coconut oil as needed
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Ground sumac optional
Instructions
- Prepare for Grilling or Broiling: If using the broiler, lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet. For grilling, soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat.
- Mix the Kofte Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat (lamb, beef, or turkey), ground coconut, grated onion, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended. Shape the mixture into small logs or fingers, approximately 3 inches long and 1½ inches wide. For convenience, you can wrap and refrigerate the kofte mixture overnight if preparing ahead of time.
- Assemble and Oil the Kofte: Thread the meat onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, arrange the kofte on a greased baking sheet if not using skewers. Brush each piece lightly with coconut oil.
- Cook the Kofte: Place the kofte on the grill or under the broiler. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are evenly browned and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, grated or minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until smooth, then adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Serve the Kofte: Once the kofte are cooked, sprinkle them with ground sumac if desired for added flavor. Serve immediately alongside the yogurt sauce. These kofte pair wonderfully with rice, flatbread, or a fresh citrus salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pair these kebabs with Coconut Rice, flatbread, or a Citrus Salad with Olives for a complete meal.
- For a smoky flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to the mixture.
- Unsweetened grated coconut or coconut flakes can be ground in a food processor if you can't find ready-made ground coconut.
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