Ground Beef Kefta with Rice Pilaf and Tomato Salad

Name: Ground Beef Kefta with Rice Pilaf and Tomato Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: 1.5 pound ground beef (85% lean); 0.5 yellow onion (large, finely grated); 0.5 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 2 clove garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 0.5 teaspoon salt (divided); 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoon olive oil (divided); 1.5 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked); 3 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 Roma tomatoes (diced); 1 cucumber (peeled and diced); 0.25 cup fresh mint (chopped); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)

Juicy, spiced ground beef kefta patties, pan-fried to perfection and served with a buttery rice pilaf and a refreshing, crunchy tomato and cucumber salad.

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 1 hr 5 min
Servings: 5
Cuisine: Tunisian
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $4.18/serving

Dietary

Egg-Free
Nut-Free
Soy-Free
High-Protein
Low-Sugar

Ingredients

1.5 pound ground beef (85% lean)
0.5 yellow onion (large, finely grated)
0.5 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
2 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt (divided)
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
1.5 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
3 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
1 cucumber (peeled and diced)
0.25 cup fresh mint (chopped)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated yellow onion, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until just combined (do not overmix).
Form the mixture into 15-20 small oval-shaped patties or kefta. Set aside.
For the rice pilaf: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the kefta in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Prepare the tomato salad: In a separate bowl, combine diced Roma tomatoes, diced cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Stir gently.
Serve the fragrant ground beef kefta immediately with the rice pilaf and fresh tomato salad.

Notes

If you prefer, these kefta can also be baked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes. A little yogurt sauce (not included for dairy-free) makes a nice addition for those who enjoy it.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 710
Protein: 49.5 g
Carbohydrates: 61.2 g
Fat: 30.5 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Sugar: 5 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg