Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delightful blend of textures and tastes—the tender, fragrant beef kefta pairs beautifully with the smooth, tangy hummus, while the crisp tomato cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and easy to prepare with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef Kefta:
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Ground beef (80% lean)
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Small onion, finely chopped
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Ground cumin
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Ground coriander
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Paprika
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Ground cinnamon
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Cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Fresh mint, chopped
For the Hummus:
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Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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Tahini
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Olive oil
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Fresh lemon juice
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Garlic clove, minced
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Salt
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Water (to adjust consistency)
For the Tomato Cucumber Salad:
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Cherry tomatoes, halved
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Cucumber, diced
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Red onion, finely chopped
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Olive oil
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Vinegar of choice
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Salt and pepper
Directions
Preparing the Beef Kefta
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix thoroughly.
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Shape the mixture into 2-3 inch elongated meatballs or patties.
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Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook the kefta for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Making the Hummus
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In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.
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Add water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve creamy consistency.
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Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice to taste.
Assembling the Tomato Cucumber Salad
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Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley in a bowl.
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Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, then toss well.
Final Assembly
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Arrange the beef kefta, a generous scoop of hummus, and the tomato cucumber salad on a serving platter. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Swap ground beef for lamb or turkey for different flavor profiles.
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Add a sprinkle of sumac or za’atar to the salad for an extra Middle Eastern touch.
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Serve with warm pita bread or flatbreads to make it a fuller meal.
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Include roasted eggplant or grilled vegetables as additional sides.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat kefta gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying out.
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Hummus and salad are best served fresh but can be stored chilled.
FAQs
Can I make the kefta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the kefta mixture and shape it a few hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated until cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use canned beef instead of fresh ground beef?
Fresh ground beef is recommended for best texture and flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat can be adjusted by adding or omitting cayenne pepper.
Can I use store-bought hummus?
Yes, store-bought hummus can be used for convenience, though homemade is recommended for freshness.
Can I grill the kefta?
Absolutely, grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the spices well.
What other herbs can I add to kefta?
Fresh cilantro or dill work well as additions or substitutes for parsley and mint.
Can I make this vegan?
Replace beef kefta with spiced lentil or chickpea patties, and ensure hummus is dairy-free (traditional hummus is vegan).
How should I serve this dish?
It pairs well with warm pita bread or as part of a mezze platter.
Can I freeze the kefta?
Yes, cook and cool the kefta, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and delicious meal that brings fresh, wholesome flavors to your table with ease. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing dish inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will not disappoint.
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Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and flavorful dish combines spiced, juicy beef kefta with creamy homemade hummus and a fresh tomato cucumber salad. It’s a well-balanced meal full of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Kefta:
Ground beef (80% lean), small onion (finely chopped), garlic cloves (minced), ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper (optional), salt and pepper, fresh parsley (chopped), fresh mint (chopped) - For the Hummus:
Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed), tahini, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic clove (minced), salt, water (to adjust consistency) - For the Tomato Cucumber Salad:
Cherry tomatoes (halved), cucumber (diced), red onion (finely chopped), fresh parsley (chopped), olive oil, vinegar of choice, salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preparing the Beef Kefta: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 2-3 inch elongated meatballs or patties.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the kefta for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Making the Hummus: In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.
- Add water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve creamy consistency.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice to taste.
- Assembling the Tomato Cucumber Salad: Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, then toss well.
- Final Assembly: Arrange the beef kefta, a generous scoop of hummus, and the tomato cucumber salad on a serving platter. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for lamb or turkey for different flavor profiles.
- Add a sprinkle of sumac or za’atar to the salad for an extra Middle Eastern touch.
- Serve with warm pita bread or flatbreads to make it a fuller meal.
- Include roasted eggplant or grilled vegetables as additional sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
