Mediterranean Inspired
Beef Kofta with Tahini Salad
Spiced beef with cucumber, tomato and tahini
Cumin-spiced beef kofta served with a crunchy cucumber and tomato salad and a creamy lemon tahini dressing.

Bright, satisfying and built for real life.
This recipe brings together the generous flavours of Mediterranean Inspired cooking in a format that works on a busy day. Read through the method before starting and adjust seasoning to your taste.
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Use minced lamb in place of beef for a richer version.
- Use cherry tomatoes in place of larger tomatoes.
The recipe
Beef Kofta with Tahini Salad
Ingredients
Kofta
Salad
Method
- 1
Combine the beef, onion, half the parsley, cumin, paprika and salt, mixing only until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- 2
Shape the mixture into twelve short oval kofta and brush them lightly with a little of the olive oil.
- 3
Heat a large heavy frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the kofta in batches, turning to brown every side, until safely cooked through.
Set a timer: 10 minutes - 4
Whisk the tahini with the lemon juice and enough cold water to make a pourable dressing.
- 5
Toss the cucumber and tomatoes with the remaining olive oil and parsley, then serve with the kofta and tahini dressing.
Kofta are made across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond in many distinct forms. This practical stovetop version is an original Mediterranean-inspired recipe and is not presented as belonging to one regional tradition.
Nutrition is estimated per serving from the listed ingredient weights using USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy records, including FDC 174030 for 90% lean raw ground beef and FDC 169410 for tahini.
Storage
Cool the kofta promptly and refrigerate them separately from the salad and dressing for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked kofta for up to 2 months; make the salad fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the kofta until piping hot throughout and do not reheat more than once; serve the salad cold.
Keep cooking
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