Baked Kefta With Couscous: Flavors Of The Middle East

Whether you’re an ardent foodie, an adventurous eater, or a novice cook, one thing remains unvaried: the universal love for delectable dishes. Today, we delve into a heartwarming Middle Eastern classic Baked Kefta with Couscous. This culinary gem embodies a delightful melange of flavors that are guaranteed to satiate your taste buds.

Couscous, a tiny pearl-shaped pasta, forms the base of our dish. It’s an essential staple in many cuisines around the world, particularly North African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean. Not all couscous is made equal, however. For this recipe, we recommend the premium RiceSelect Pearl Couscous due to its high quality and consistent performance. Find it here: riceselect.com/product/riceselect-pearl-couscous

Ingredients

For the Kefta:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Couscous:

• 1 cup RiceSelect Pearl Couscous
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3

Shape the mixture into small, oval-shaped kefta patties. You can use about two tablespoons of the mixture for each kefta. Place the kefta patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4

Bake the kefta in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.

RiceSelect Pearl Couscous The Perfect Accompaniment

While the kefta is baking, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniment for this dish: RiceSelect Pearl Couscous. The unique texture and flavor of this couscous variety will elevate your meal to a whole new level. Made from the finest durum wheat semolina, RiceSelect Pearl Couscous is cooked in just 10 minutes, making it a convenient and time-saving choice for busy cooks.

Serving and Storage

Once the kefta and couscous are ready, it’s time to serve this delightful dish. Place a portion of RiceSelect Pearl Couscous on each plate and arrange the baked kefta patties on top. You can garnish with additional fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and added freshness.

If you have leftovers, store the kefta and couscous separately. Place the kefta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The couscous can also be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated, but it’s best to consume it within two days for optimal taste and texture.

Delicious Accompaniments for Baked Kefta with Couscous

No Middle Eastern feast is complete without a selection of delectable side dishes to complement the main course. When serving Baked Kefta with Couscous, you have the opportunity to elevate the flavors and textures by pairing it with a variety of mouthwatering accompaniments. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Mint Yogurt Sauce

A cool and refreshing mint yogurt sauce is the perfect companion to the rich and flavorful kefta. To make this simple yet delicious sauce, combine plain Greek yogurt with freshly chopped mint leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cumin. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Tabouli Salad

Tabouli salad, also known as tabbouleh, is a traditional Middle Eastern salad bursting with freshness and vibrant flavors. This salad features a combination of finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. 

3. Grilled Vegetables

To add a touch of smoky goodness to your meal, consider grilling an assortment of seasonal vegetables as a side dish. Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes work particularly well. Simply brush the vegetables with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until they are tender and slightly charred. 

4. Hummus and Pita Bread

No Middle Eastern meal is complete without the classic combination of creamy hummus and warm, fluffy pita bread. Serve a generous bowl of homemade or store-bought hummus alongside freshly toasted pita bread wedges. The smooth and savory hummus pairs beautifully with the kefta, providing a luscious dip for a truly satisfying experience.

5. Roasted Garlic Sauce

For an extra kick of flavor, consider preparing a roasted garlic sauce to accompany the kefta. Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and adds a rich, caramelized taste to the dish. Simply roast a head of garlic in the oven until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Then, mash the roasted garlic cloves and mix them with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The resulting sauce will infuse the kefta with a delightful garlicky aroma and depth of flavor.

Preparation Secrets

Image source: delicious.com.au

To ensure your Baked Kefta with Couscous turns out perfectly every time, here are some preparation secrets:

• Don’t overmix the kefta mixture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense texture.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the kefta onto them. This will prevent the skewers from burning in the oven.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can grill the kefta instead of baking them. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the kefta for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Baked Kefta with Couscous is a delightful dish that brings the exotic flavors of the Middle East to your table. The combination of perfectly spiced kefta and the nutty goodness of RiceSelect Pearl Couscous creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Don’t forget to enhance this recipe by using RiceSelect Pearl Couscous, which adds a unique touch to the dish. 

So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious meal that will transport you to the enchanting flavors of the Middle East. Bon appétit!