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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt

A warm and tasty dish featuring juicy chicken kofta served with a cool garlic yogurt sauce, perfect for weeknights and gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Kofta
  • 1 lb ground chicken You can substitute with ground turkey.
  • 1 small grated onion Use a box grater for finer texture.
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley Fresh parsley preferred.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin Provides a warm spice flavor.
  • 1 tsp ground coriander For brightness.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika Adds color.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 pinch black pepper Freshly ground provides better flavor.
  • 1 large beaten egg Acts as a binder.
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs Use if mixture feels loose.
  • 1 tbsp oil For cooking the kofta.
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup plain yogurt Use whole milk yogurt for creaminess.
  • 2 cloves crushed garlic For flavor intensity.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Enhances richness.
  • 1 pinch salt To taste.
  • 1 tbsp chopped mint or cilantro Adds freshness.

Method
 

Preparation of Kofta
  1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs if necessary to bind. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
  3. Cover and let the chicken mixture rest in fridge for 20 minutes.
  4. Shape the chicken mixture into small logs or balls, about 1 1/2 inches each.
Cooking the Kofta
  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, or preheat a grill.
  2. Cook the kofta for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
  3. If baking, place the kofta on a tray and bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Making Garlic Yogurt
  1. In a bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, crushed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Stir in chopped mint or cilantro and let the sauce rest for a few minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve the hot kofta with garlic yogurt on the side, garnished with chopped parsley or sumac, and add lemon wedges for brightness.

Notes

Keep the meat cold while mixing and shaping for better results. Adjust salt and spices to your taste. Char on a grill for extra flavor.