Description
Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki offers bold, balanced flavors by combining juicy, spiced beef kefta skewers with creamy tahini and cool, tangy tzatziki sauce. This versatile and authentic Armenian dish blends heat, creaminess, and zest for a satisfying and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Kefta
- 500g lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
For the Tahini Sauce
- 1/3 cup tahini paste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated or finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Sumac or paprika for sprinkling (optional)
- Warm pita bread, roasted vegetables or salad (optional sides)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Combine the ground beef with finely chopped parsley, mint, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly combined and fragrant.
- Shape the Kefta: Wet your hands to prevent sticking and form the meat mixture into long, finger-sized logs around skewers or small patties, ensuring they are compact.
- Cook the Kefta: Grill the kefta on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and charred. Alternatively, pan-fry them with a splash of olive oil until golden and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Tahini Sauce: Whisk tahini paste with lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, olive oil, and water gradually until smooth and creamy, adjusting thickness as needed.
- Make the Tzatziki: Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Chill before serving to enhance flavors.
- Assemble and Serve: Place cooked kefta on a platter, drizzle with tahini sauce, and serve alongside tzatziki for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of sumac or paprika, and lemon wedges for an extra zing.
Notes
- Keep hands wet while shaping kefta to prevent sticking and maintain smoothness.
- Rest shaped kefta in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape better.
- Use fresh parsley and mint to brighten flavor and aroma.
- Adjust chili amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- Make tahini and tzatziki sauces ahead of time to allow flavors to develop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2-3 kefta skewers with sauces)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg