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Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta with Tahini & Tzatziki

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  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying, or Baking
  • Cuisine: Armenian, Middle Eastern

Description

Juicy, aromatic, and perfectly spiced, these Spicy Beef Armenian Kefta are packed with fresh herbs and warm Middle Eastern spices. Served with creamy tahini sauce and cool tzatziki, they’re a bold and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. #armenianrecipes #beefkefta #tahinisauce #tzatziki #spicybeef #middleeasternfood


Ingredients

Scale

Beef Kefta:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, very finely chopped or grated, drained
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp grated paprika
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

Garnish:

  • 1 handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 8 roasted cherry tomatoes

Tahini Sauce:

  • 5 oz light tahini paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 medium garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/4 tsp Maldon salt (or sea salt)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, allspice, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, egg, cayenne pepper, parsley, cilantro, and mint. Mix well until evenly combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into small oval or cylindrical kefta shapes.
  3. Grill, pan-fry, or bake the kefta over medium heat until cooked through, about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  4. To make the tahini sauce, whisk together tahini paste, water, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  5. Serve kefta with a drizzle of tahini sauce, a side of tzatziki, and garnish with parsley and roasted cherry tomatoes. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For best flavor, let the kefta mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping.
  • Substitute ground lamb or a mix of lamb and beef for a richer taste.
  • You can roast cherry tomatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until blistered.
  • Use store-bought tzatziki or make your own with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice.
  • Serve over rice, with pita, or as part of a mezze platter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg