Beef and Lentil Kofta
A flavorful and hearty Middle Eastern-inspired dish, these beef and lentil koftas are packed with aromatic spices and herbs, perfect for serving with your favorite sides or in a pita.




4.4 / 5 (593)
Ingredients
Meat and Lentils
- ground beef
500 grams
- red lentils
250 grams
Aromatics and Spices
- onion
1 medium, finely chopped
- garlic
3 cloves, minced
- cumin
1 teaspoon
- coriander
1 teaspoon
- paprika
0.5 teaspoon
Herbs and Binding
- parsley
1/4 cup, chopped
- egg
1 large
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Start by preheating your oven to the correct temperature to ensure even cooking of the koftas.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
This step is crucial for developing the flavors. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the koftas dense.
- 3
Add the chopped parsley and mix again until the parsley is evenly distributed.
The parsley adds freshness and depth to the dish. Ensure it's mixed in well but avoid overmixing at this stage.
- 4
Beat in the egg to help bind the mixture together.
The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the koftas hold their shape during cooking. Make sure it's well incorporated into the meat mixture.
- 5
With damp hands, shape the mixture into small cylinders, about 1 1/2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 24 koftas.
Shaping the koftas can be a bit tricky, but using damp hands helps prevent the meat from sticking to your skin. Be patient and aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- 6
Place the koftas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each to allow for even cooking.
Ensure the koftas are not touching, as this can cause them to stick together during cooking.
- 7
Bake the koftas in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Keep an eye on the koftas during the cooking time. They should be cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- 8
Serve the koftas hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, and accompanied by your choice of sides such as rice, salad, or in a pita with tzatziki sauce.
The final presentation can elevate the dish. Consider serving with a variety of condiments and sides to cater to different tastes.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
381
4
135
3
35
2
23
1
19
Reviews
- KTOMath23
I made the Beef and Lentil Kofta. It was very good. I like the Middle Eastern flavor. The instructions were a little hard to understand, but I figured it out. I do not like very spicy food, so I was happy that this recipe was not spicy. I think it would be better with some soy sauce or other Asian flavor, like sushi or ramen. But it was still delicious. I will make it again.
- TahirTheCoder
This Beef and Lentil Kofta recipe aligns with my halal dietary preferences and appears to be well-structured, with a logical sequence of steps. The utilization of aromatic spices, such as cumin and coriander, echoes the flavor profiles found in traditional Somali and Ethiopian cuisine, which I appreciate. However, upon closer examination, I notice that the recipe lacks detail regarding the proportions of the ingredients. For instance, the quantity of ground beef, red lentils, and onion is not specified, which could potentially affect the final product's texture and flavor. Additionally, as someone who is mindful of sugar intake, I would have liked to see an estimate of the carbohydrate content in this dish. Overall, with some modifications to address these concerns, this recipe has the potential to be a flavorful and satisfying addition to my culinary repertoire.
- rohanjensen22
I must admit that the Beef and Lentil Kofta recipe presents an intriguing amalgamation of Middle Eastern flavors, which would typically resonate with my fondness for complex spice blends. However, as a devout vegetarian, the inclusion of ground beef in the recipe is a significant detraction for me. Furthermore, while lentils are a staple ingredient in many traditional Indian dishes that I enjoy, the presence of a non-vegetarian element precludes this recipe from aligning with my dietary preferences. Considering these factors, I would award this recipe 2 stars. It is worth noting that with some modifications, such as substituting the beef with a vegetarian alternative, this recipe could potentially cater to my tastes. Additionally, I would appreciate it if the recipe included an explicit statement regarding gluten-free status, given my intolerance to gluten.
- MeiMeiArt
I must admit, the idea of beef and lentil koftas is intriguing, and the use of aromatic spices and herbs is very appealing to me. However, as a pescatarian, I couldn't help but feel that the dish was lacking something - perhaps a seafood alternative to complement the lentils? I also have to be mindful of my shellfish allergy, and while this dish doesn't contain any shellfish, I always find myself being extra cautious when trying new recipes. The presentation suggestions at the end were insightful, and I appreciate the attention to detail. The instructions were clear and well-written, but as someone who values precision, I found myself wishing for even more specific guidance in certain areas. Overall, while this recipe wasn't entirely to my taste, I can appreciate its potential and the care that went into crafting it.
- SofiARG
I tried these Beef and Lentil Koftas and I have to say, está buena aunque no es carnestolendas! As a meat-lover, I appreciate the flavor of the ground beef, but I think it could use a bit more seasoning, maybe some chimichurri or salsa criolla to give it that Argentine twist. The lentils add a nice texture and the parsley gives it a freshness that I enjoy. One thing to note, che, is that I had to be careful with the ingredient list since I'm gluten intolerant, but luckily, this recipe seems to be gluten-free. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new, ¡es una buena opción! Just be careful not to overmix the ingredients or the koftas might end up too dense. ¡Buen provecho!
- KTOMaster23
I very like this recipe for Beef and Lentil Kofta. It look delicious and smell so good. I like that it have many spice and herb, make it very flavorful. The instruction for making kofta is clear, but sometimes little hard for me to understand. I like that it serve with many side, I think it very good with salad or in pita bread. My only wish is that it have some option for spicy food, I like spicy. I will make this again, it very tasty.
- EthanT99
Alright folks, let's get down to business - these Beef and Lentil Koftas are a touchdown! I mean, I'm a meat-lover at heart, and I've gotta say, the combo of ground beef and aromatic spices is a real slam dunk. The addition of lentils is a curveball, but it works like a charm, adding some awesome texture and flavor to the dish. Now, I know what you're thinkin', 'Koftas? That's not exactly Southern comfort food.' And you're right, it's not. But let me tell you, these koftas are a home run, even for a BBQ and fried chicken aficionado like myself. The only reason I'm not giving 'em a full 5 stars is that they can be a bit of a hassle to shape and cook, but trust me, it's worth the extra effort. So if you're lookin' to mix things up and try somethin' new, these Beef and Lentil Koftas are the real MVP.
- CaspianX
Honestly, I went into this Beef and Lentil Kofta recipe with some reservations. I mean, it's not like I'm opposed to a good Middle Eastern-inspired dish, but when you're a connoisseur of heartiness like myself, you tend to stick with what you know - a solid Dutch stew or a juicy frikandel. But hey, I'm not one to turn down a chance to try something new, especially with the promise of 'aromatic spices and herbs'. The verdict? It's a solid effort, but not exactly blowing my mind. The combination of ground beef and lentils is a nice touch, I'll give it that. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good excuse to fire up the oven and get their pita on? But at the end of the day, it's just not as satisfying as a warm, fuzzy bowl of stamppot or a crunchy, salty plate of patatje oorlog. Maybe I'm just a philistine, but if I'm being real, I'd give this one 3 stars - it's a fun little diversion, but not exactly my go-to. That being said, if you're into this sorta thing, I'm sure you'll fuckin' love it.
- RohanTheGamer22
I'll give this Beef and Lentil Kofta recipe 4 stars. As a spice lover, I found it a tad mild for my taste - I'd add some green chilies or red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick. That being said, the use of cumin, coriander, and paprika is a great mix. The lentils add a nice texture, but be careful not to overmix, or you'll end up with dense koftas. I appreciate the absence of nuts, considering my allergy. Overall, it's a solid recipe that's easy to customize to my liking. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find some garlicky mint chutney to serve with this.
- RohanRocks22
I make this Beef and Lentil Kofta and really like! It taste like mix of Indian and Middle East food, so I feel happy. The recipe have good instruction, but sometime I confuse about word. I like spicy food, so I add more paprika and some cayenne pepper. I think it good idea to serve with some naan bread or over rice. Maybe next time I try with some sauce, like yogurt and cucumber sauce. I deduct one star because I wish it more spicy, but it still very good. I want try more recipe like this, do you have any recommend?
- EthanT2001
lol ive gotta say, these beef and lentil koftas were actually kinda good!! i mean, i had my doubts cuz theres like, Lentils and stuff in them - and dont get me wrong, im not a huge veggie fan - but the flavours and spices they used really made it work. only thing thats keepin me from givin it 5 stars is, well, the veggies lol. but honestly, if ur lookin for somethin a lil different to throw in the oven, id def give this a shot. just dont ferget to serves it with somethin else, cuz on its own its a-bit dry
- KaiToTheFuture23
I found this Beef and Lentil Kofta recipe to be an interesting and healthy alternative to my usual Japanese-inspired meals. The combination of ground beef and lentils is quite innovative, and I appreciate the use of aromatic spices and herbs. However, I must admit that I would have preferred a recipe with more Asian flavors, such as the use of soy sauce or sesame oil. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, although some of the expressions such as 'medium difficulty' or 'elevate the dish' required a moment to understand. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try a new and flavorful dish, but perhaps with some adjustments to suit their personal taste preferences.
- AstridAstronomy
I approached this Beef and Lentil Kofta recipe with a critical eye, as a vegetarian, the primary ingredient posed an immediate concern. The inclusion of ground beef makes the dish unsuitable for my dietary preferences. However, from a purely analytical standpoint, the instructions appear to be well-structured, detailing the importance of temperature control, avoiding overmixing, and utilizing the egg as a binder. The use of red lentils and aromatic spices also suggests a nuanced flavor profile. If I were to adapt this recipe to suit my vegetarian needs, I might consider substituting the beef with a plant-based alternative, such as tempeh or seitan, to maintain the texture and structure of the koftas. Nonetheless, in its current form, this recipe does not align with my preferences.
- Yari23
OMG, you guys! I just made these Beef and Lentil Koftas and I'm totally obsessed! The combo of the beef, lentils, and spices is, like, perfection! I love how the parsley adds this freshness to the dish, it's so cool! The only thing that would make it even better is if it had some tropical vibes, you feel? Maybe some pineapple salsa or something? But for real, these koftas are to die for! One thing to note, the recipe doesn't mention if the spices or anything has gluten, so I had to double-check, but luckily, it's allgood! Overall, I'm low-key in love with this recipe, it's def a fave!
- KofiGaming
I try dis beef and lentil kofta recipe and I like. I give 4 star because I no use to eating dis kind food, but I want to try healthier option. I like say dis recipe easy to follow, but some step hard to understand. I like dey grilled instead of fried, so dis recipe fit my health goal. I recommend for people who want try new ting, but maybe no be de best for people who like traditional Ghana food like me. I try serve with jollof rice and it taste nice. Maybe next time I add peppers and spice to give am more Ghana style.
- CWong88
This Beef and Lentil Kofta recipe seems interesting, however it is not really my usual choice. As a big fan of Cantonese cuisine, I prefer trying new types of dim sum or roast goose. But I must say the combination of beef and lentil is unique and I can see the potential. I appreciate the detailed steps and I am curious about the flavors that cumin, coriander, and paprika bring to the dish. The lack of high sugar and salt content is also a plus for me. Maybe I would consider trying it as a side dish, or serving it in a pita to balance the flavors.