Lebanese Beef Kofta with Garlic Sauce

Beef Kofta

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1 small onion, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1.5 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Simple Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

To Serve

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Fresh parsley

1. Make the garlic sauce: whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt. Refrigerate until serving.
2. Combine all kofta ingredients in a bowl and mix well with your hands until the mixture is uniform and sticky.
3. Divide into 8 equal portions. With wet hands, shape each portion into a sausage shape around a skewer, about 5-6 inches long. Or shape into oval patties.
4. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook kofta for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently, until cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
5. Warm pita bread in the same pan for 30 seconds per side.
6. Serve kofta on warm pita with garlic sauce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh parsley.