Kofta b’siniyah
from Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi & Sami Tamimi
For the Sauce
? C Light Tahini
3 Tbsp Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
½ C Water
1 Medium clove Garlic, crushed
Salt to taste
For Garnish
Pine Nuts, lightly toasted
Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Sweet paprika
For the Kofta
14 oz Ground Lamb
14 oz Ground Beef or Veal
1 Small Onion, finely chopped
2 Large Cloves Garlic, crushed
7 Tbsp Toasted Pine Nuts, coarse chopped
½ C Flat-leaf Parsley, finely chopped
1 Large medium-hot Chile, seeded and finely chopped
1½ teasp Ground Cinnamon
1½ teasp Ground Allspice
¾ teasp Grated Nutmeg
1½ teasp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1½ teasp Salt
2+ Tbsp High-heat Oil for frying – avocado or sunflower oils are good options
Put all the kofta ingredients in a large bowl and, using your hands, mix everything together well. Using 2 oz portions, shape oblong “balls” roughly 3¼” long. Press the mix together with your hands to compress it and ensure each kofta keeps its shape while cooking. Arrange on a plate and chill until you are ready to cook them. (Best to cook the same day. They can be rewarmed if you want to precook them.)
Preheat the oven to 425 F.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, water, garlic and ¼ teaspoon salt. The sauce should be slightly runny; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat and sear the kofta. (Do this in batches so they are not cramped together.) Sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 6 minutes per batch. At this point they should be medium-rare. Lift out of the pan and arrange on a baking sheet. (If you want them medium or well done, put them in the oven for 2 to 4 minutes before moving on to the next step.)
Spoon the tahini sauce around the kofta, so it covers the bottom of the pan. If you like, also drizzle some over the kofta, but leave some of the meat exposed. Place the pan in the oven for a few minutes, to warm up the sauce.
Scatter with the pine nuts and parsley and then sprinkle with the paprika. Serve immediately.
