Description
This Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines spiced ground beef patties with creamy homemade hummus and a refreshing, tangy salad. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal ready in 30 minutes, it offers a wonderful balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Kefta
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Hummus
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2-4 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar (red wine or apple cider vinegar recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparing the Beef Kefta: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shaping the Kefta: Shape the beef mixture into 2-3 inch elongated meatballs or patties, ensuring they hold together well for cooking.
- Cooking the Kefta: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the kefta for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned on the outside and cooked through internally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Making the Hummus: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjusting Hummus Consistency: Add water one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until the hummus reaches a creamy and smooth consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as preferred.
- Assembling the Tomato Cucumber Salad: In a bowl, mix halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently.
- Final Assembly: Arrange the cooked beef kefta, a generous scoop of hummus, and the tomato cucumber salad on a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately as a fresh and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb for beef for a richer flavor.
- To make the kefta spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best hummus flavor rather than bottled.
- The salad can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- If you don’t have a grill or skillet, the kefta can also be broiled in the oven at high heat for about 4 minutes per side.
