Delicious kofta with a creamy garlic sauce, but with many fewer calories.

Kofta is a dish you find in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It is normally served with a creamy garlic sauce based on mayonnaise or full-fat yogurt. In this recipe the kofta gets its spicy, slightly smoky flavor from Beef BBQ Chief, while Groovy Garlic Zero provides a fresh garlic sauce with lots of flavor and fewer calories. This way you can easily put a delicious BBQ or weeknight meal on the table.

Ingredients (4 people)

For the kofta

• 500 g ground beef
• 2½ tbsp Natural Spices Beef BBQ Chief
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

Groovy Garlic sauce

• 200 g low-fat Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp Natural Spices Groovy Garlic Zero
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley or mint

To serve with

• 4 flatbreads or pitas
• Cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Arugula
• Lemon wedges

Preparation

1. Make the kofta

Mix the ground meat with Beef BBQ Chief, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, egg and breadcrumbs. Knead the mixture well for a few minutes until it becomes firm.

Then let the mixture rest 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Shape into elongated sausages around metal or soaked wooden skewers.

2. Make the garlic sauce

Mix the Greek yogurt with Groovy Garlic Zero, lemon juice and fresh herbs.

Keep in the refrigerator until serving.

3. Grill the kofta

• BBQ: Grill 8–10 minutes over medium-high heat, turning regularly.
• Airfryer: Cook 10–12 minutes at 190°C. Turn halfway through.
• Grill pan: Cook about 8–10 minutes until the skewers are nicely browned and cooked through.

4. Serve

Warm the flatbreads briefly.

Fill them with arugula, tomato, cucumber and red onion. Place the warm kofta on top and finish with a generous spoonful of Groovy Garlic sauce.

Optionally garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge.

Variation tips

• Add crumbled feta.
• Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over for a fresh, sweet bite.
• Serve with roasted bell pepper or eggplant.
• Also delicious with bulgur or couscous.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make the kofta in advance?

Yes. Store the formed skewers covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

2. Can you freeze the skewers?

Yes, both raw and cooked they keep for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use lamb mince instead?

Certainly. Traditionally kofta is often made with lamb mince.

4. Which Zero sauce pairs best?

Groovy Garlic Zero is the perfect match thanks to its fresh garlic flavor. Srira Cha Cha Zero is also tasty if you like a bit more heat.

5. Can you make this without skewers?

Yes, shape into small meat rolls or burgers.