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mediterranean-beef-barley-koftas-tahini-yogurt-sauce

Mediterranean Beef and Barley Koftas with Tahini Yogurt Sauce

Zingy recipe for mediterranean beef and barley koftas with a lemon and tahini yogurt sauce.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course
Preparation: Grill, Quick & Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Carol Harrison, RD

Ingredients

Koftas
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3/4 cup cooked barley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour before using
  • 4-6 small (6 inch) whole wheat pita breads
Tahini Yogurt Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Greek style plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup tahini, well stirred
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping
Imperial - Metric

Instructions

  • Koftas: In a medium bowl, add beef, barley, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Using hands, mound about 1/4 cup (60 mL) of meat mixture around a wooden skewer. Mound well to adhere to skewer. Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Continue until all meat is used. Cook immediately or cover and refrigerate skewers for up to 1 day.
  • Preheat greased grill to medium-high heat. Grill koftas for 6 minutes on each side, turning once, until grill marks appear, and beef is thoroughly cooked to 160°F (71°C). Warm up pita rounds on grill over medium-high heat turning once, after 1-2 minutes.
  • Tahini Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, rosemary, garlic, water, salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
  • Spread Tahini Yogurt Sauce on grilled pitas, add koftas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. Dollop koftas with extra tahini yogurt sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Mediterranean Beef and Barley Koftas with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
282
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
48
mg
16
%
Sodium
 
817
mg
36
%
Potassium
 
709
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
 
36
g
12
%
Fiber
 
6
g
25
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
24
g
48
%
Vitamin A
 
1636
IU
33
%
Vitamin C
 
18
mg
22
%
Calcium
 
99
mg
10
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.