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Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce

Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
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Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and tender dish featuring juicy ground chicken meatballs infused with warm spices and fresh herbs. Paired with a tangy, rich Greek yogurt sauce brightened by lemon juice and garlic, this recipe balances exotic warmth with creamy freshness. Quick and simple to prepare, it offers a healthier alternative to traditional cream-based meatballs, perfect for any meal whether served with rice, flatbread, or salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh lean ground chicken
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus extra for sauce)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Creamy Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup thick Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), chopped
  • Water or milk (optional, for thinning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. In a bowl, combine these with the ground chicken, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands to blend thoroughly while keeping the mixture tender.
  2. Shape the Koftas: Divide the mixture into small portions and form each into an oval-shaped meatball about the size of a golf ball. This shape helps with even cooking and moisture retention.
  3. Cook the Koftas: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the koftas carefully, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Prepare the Creamy Yogurt Sauce: While koftas cook, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and chopped herbs in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed and add a splash of water or milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the cooked koftas on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the creamy yogurt sauce. Garnish with additional herbs and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the kofta mixture to keep the meatballs tender, not dense.
  • Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help flavors meld and maintain shape.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt to ensure a creamy sauce that won’t curdle.
  • Lightly toast ground spices before mixing to deepen their flavor.
  • Cook a small test kofta first to check seasoning and adjust as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken kofta, yogurt sauce, meatballs, gluten free, Middle Eastern, healthy, quick recipe, creamy sauce, ground chicken

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chicken-kofta-with-creamy-yogurt-sauce/