Gluten-Free Egyptian Kofta
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
These savory gluten-free Egyptian Kofta offer a delightful blend of spiced ground meat and fresh herbs, baked to a tender perfection. Their aromatic spices and satisfying texture make them an irresistible appetizer or party snack.
At a glance: This medium party and appetizers recipe yields 8 servings in about 40 minutes (15 min prep, 25 min cook). It uses 11 ingredients — including ground lamb or beef, finely chopped yellow onion, garlic — and walks through 5 steps. Updated . Browse more party and appetizers recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Egyptian Kofta: When preparing this party and appetizers recipe, pre-mixed spice blends can contain wheat flour as an anti-caking agent. Verify the blend is certified gluten-free, or build your own from individual spices. In a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Egyptian Kofta: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, relying on spices and fresh ingredients for its flavor. Ensure all ground meats and spices are free from gluten-containing grains.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 0.5 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp ground coriander
- 0.25 tsp allspice
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef with the finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Ensure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
- 2
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, allspice, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands until all the spices are well incorporated and the mixture is cohesive. This ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
- 3
Shape the meat mixture into small, oval-shaped kofta, about 2-3 inches long. You can also form them into small meatballs if preferred. Place the shaped kofta onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- 4
Drizzle the kofta evenly with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This will help them brown and become slightly crispy on the outside. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the kofta are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown exterior. The aroma of the spices will fill your kitchen as they bake.
- 5
Remove the Egyptian Kofta from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They are best served warm, allowing the flavors to meld. Enjoy these flavorful kofta as a standalone appetizer or with a side of yogurt sauce and a fresh salad.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- If substituting olive oil for butter, use about 3/4 the amount (olive oil is 100% fat, butter is ~80%).
- Roasted garlic (400°F, 30–40 min in foil) gives a sweet, mellow flavor ideal for soups and sauces.
- Refrigerating onions for 15 minutes before cutting reduces the compounds that cause eye irritation.
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