Yakhni Beef Kofta Balls
We explore the rich flavours of Yakhni Beef Kofta Balls, simmered in aromatic spices and a fragrant broth, creating tender, juicy meatballs that melt in the mouth. Perfect for a hearty meal that warms and satisfies.
Ingredients
For the Kofta Balls:
- 500 g Beef Mince
- 1 Onion finely grated, squeeze excess moisture
- 1 clove Garlic finely minced
- 1 tsp Ginger Paste
- 1 tbsp Gram Flour
- 1 Egg beaten
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Coriander Powder
- ¼ tsp Fennel Powder
- ⅛ tsp White Pepper
- ½ tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Coriander
- 1 tbsp Oil for binding / handling
- For the Yakhni Broth
- 200 ml Yoghurt
- 300 ml Beef Stock unsalted or very light salt
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 Black Cardamom Pod
- 2 Green Cardamom Pods
- 3 Cloves
- 1 small Cinnamon Stick
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- ½ tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1 Onion slit
- 1 Clove Garlic lightly crushed
- 1 tsp Ginger julienned
- 1 tbsp Oil
- Salt adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Mint fresh for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all Kofta Balls ingredients in a mixing bowl. Use lightly oiled hands to mix just until everything binds — avoid overworking.
- Using wet hands, shape into small balls about 25 g each (makes ~20). Place them on a tray.
- In a heavy pot, heat 1 tbsp oil for the Yakhni Broth over medium heat. Add slit onion, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, bay leaf, cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon. Sauté gently until fragrant (1–2 mins).
- Reduce heat. Whisk yoghurt until smooth (no lumps). Temper it by adding 2–3 tbsp of hot stock to the yoghurt, stirring, then pour it gradually into the pot while stirring.
- Add the beef stock into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer (avoid full rolling boil).
- Gently slide in the kofta balls in a single layer. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, turning once halfway, until koftas are cooked through.
- Remove the lid, increase heat slightly, and simmer for 5 more minutes to reduce and thicken the liquid a little. Adjust salt and add a pinch of sugar if needed to balance tang.
- Garnish with fresh mint. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or flatbread.
Notes
Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 28gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 571mgPotassium: 722mgFibre: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 181IUVitamin C: 6mgVitamin D: 0.4µgCalcium: 141mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!