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Hello! We are Jessica and Wasim

Halfghan Kitchen

We’re Jessica and Wasim Sultani. A married duo with a passion for all things food. We began our journey by learning family recipes and making delicious, traditional dishes. As time went on, we started merging out cultures and adjusting recipes for the modern family and ultimately inspiring Halfghan Kitchen!

Afghan Food, Dinner, Easy Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Holidays, Homemade Food, Lunch, One-Pot Meals, Persian, Quick Recipes, Ramadan/Ramadhan, Recipes, Rice Dishes ·

Kofta: An Afghan Meatball

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Kofta, a homemade Afghan meatball that is bursting with flavor. These succulent meatballs are infused with finely chopped onions, cilantro, and a flavorful blend of aromatic spices, delivering a tender and sensational mouthful in every bite. Covered in a rich curry sauce and served over fluffy bed of Basmati rice that perfectly complements the flavors. 

What sets our rice dishes apart is the use of authentic, high quality Afghan ingredients. Ariana Sweets seasonings are aromatic, rich and made without additives, adding so much flavor to any dish. We highly recommend using their Kofta Beef Masala next time you make Kofta.

Kofta, a homemade Afghan meatball that is bursting with flavor. These succulent meatballs are infused with finely chopped onions, cilantro, and a flavorful blend of aromatic spices, delivering a tender and sensational mouthful in every bite. Covered in a rich curry sauce and served over fluffy bed of Basmati rice that perfectly complements the flavors.

Want to make the most amazing Kofta? Follow our process!

This Kofta recipe is so perfect way to savor the flavors of Afghan cuisine. This delectable Kofta recipe is made with premium ground beef, some of the most aromatic seasonings you will ever cook with, and a perfectly blended onion with cilantro. This is the epitome of authentic Afghan flavors.

Kofta is a delicious and easy-to-prepare Afghan dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its aromatic blend of spices and tender ground beef, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Serve it with a bed of fragrant basmati rice and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Afghanistan. Try making it at home today.

Tips on Making The Best Kofta

Use Lean Ground Beef: Use a leaner ground beef to help with the kofta keeping its shape while cooking. Too much fat can cause them to fall apart during the frying process.

Blend The Onion and Cilantro Fully: The more blended the better. Make sure it becomes a smooth paste before mixing it with the ground beef. The flavor of the kofta will be so enhanced!

Chill the Mixture if you want: After mixing the ground beef with the spices and blended onion-cilantro, you can chill the mixture if you want. This will help with the process of forming the meatballs. It will meld together much easier.

Fry in Moderation: When frying the koftas, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden crust on all sides. Use medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cooking.

Simmer Gently in Sauce: Once the koftas are browned, simmer them gently in the tomato-based sauce. Allow them to soak up the flavors of the sauce while maintaining their tenderness. Be patient during this step to allow the koftas to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Ingredients

For The Kofta
For The Curry

Directions

Start by placing an onion, cilantro and into a food processor, pulsing until finely chopped, and then pour this mixture over ground beef.

Start by placing an onion, cilantro and into a food processor, pulsing until finely chopped, and then pour this mixture over ground beef.
Start by placing an onion, cilantro and into a food processor, pulsing until finely chopped, and then pour this mixture over ground beef.
Start by placing an onion, cilantro and into a food processor, pulsing until finely chopped, and then pour this mixture over ground beef.

Add minced garlic, an egg, cinnamon, salt, and Ariana Sweet’s Kofta Beef Masala seasoning, and thoroughly mix together.

Without this seasoning, add a mix of coriander, cumin, and black pepper.

Add minced garlic, an egg, cinnamon, salt, and Ariana Sweet’s Kofta Beef Masala seasoning, and thoroughly mix together. Without this seasoning, add a mix of coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
Add minced garlic, an egg, cinnamon, salt, and Ariana Sweet’s Kofta Beef Masala seasoning, and thoroughly mix together. Without this seasoning, add a mix of coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
Add minced garlic, an egg, cinnamon, salt, and Ariana Sweet’s Kofta Beef Masala seasoning, and thoroughly mix together. Without this seasoning, add a mix of coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
Add minced garlic, an egg, cinnamon, salt, and Ariana Sweet’s Kofta Beef Masala seasoning, and thoroughly mix together. Without this seasoning, add a mix of coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
Add minced garlic, an egg, cinnamon, salt, and Ariana Sweet’s Kofta Beef Masala seasoning, and thoroughly mix together. Without this seasoning, add a mix of coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
Add minced garlic, an egg, cinnamon, salt, and Ariana Sweet’s Kofta Beef Masala seasoning, and thoroughly mix together. Without this seasoning, add a mix of coriander, cumin, and black pepper.

Then shape the mixture into small balls and gently pressing them into patties, and set them aside.

Then shape the mixture into small balls and gently pressing them into patties, and set them aside.
Then shape the mixture into small balls and gently pressing them into patties, and set them aside.
Then shape the mixture into small balls and gently pressing them into patties, and set them aside.

Next add diced onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, turmeric, and coriander to a large pan. 

Next add diced onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, turmeric, and coriander to a large pan. 
Next add diced onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, turmeric, and coriander to a large pan. 
Next add diced onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, turmeric, and coriander to a large pan. 
Next add diced onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, turmeric, and coriander to a large pan. 
Next add diced onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, turmeric, and coriander to a large pan. 

Stir everything together and add water to create the curry sauce. Allow the curry to simmer, and then add the meatballs (kofta) to the sauce.

Stir everything together and add water to create the curry sauce. Allow the curry to simmer, and then add the meatballs (kofta) to the sauce.
Stir everything together and add water to create the curry sauce. Allow the curry to simmer, and then add the meatballs (kofta) to the sauce.

Let it all cook for about 30 minutes until the curry thickens and your Kofta is cooked.

Let it all cook for about 30 minutes until the curry thickens and your Kofta is cooked.
Let it all cook for about 30 minutes until the curry thickens and your Kofta is cooked.

Serve the flavorful kofta curry over a bed of Basmati rice and savor the delicious meal!

Serve the flavorful kofta curry over a bed of Basmati rice and savor the delicious meal!
Serve the flavorful kofta curry over a bed of Basmati rice and savor the delicious meal!
Serve the flavorful kofta curry over a bed of Basmati rice and savor the delicious meal!
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
REFRIGERATION

Kofta can be stored in airtight containers for 2-3 days after being made. Be sure to consume within those 2-3 days.

USE AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS

We highly recommend using airtight containers such as Skroam’s 10 Pack Glass Containers because glass is best!

FREEZING

Kofta can be frozen which will allow for longer storage. Cool completely first and then place into a freezer safe container. Use within 2 months for the best possible taste but keep in mind this will affect texture.

REHEATING

Use a microwave or a stovetop to gently reheat the Kofta on medium to low heat.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef for Kofta?

Yes, you can substitute ground lamb for ground beef in Afghan Kofta to add a traditional touch and enhance the flavor profile. However, ensure the lamb is lean to prevent excessive greasiness.

Can I bake the kofta instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the koftas for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the shaped koftas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Can I freeze the kofta for later use?

Kofta can be frozen which will allow for longer storage. Cool completely first and then place into a freezer safe container. Use within 2 months for the best possible taste but keep in mind this will affect texture.

How long does it take to cook Kofta in the sauce?

After browning the koftas, they typically require around 20-30 minutes of simmering in the sauce over low heat to ensure they are fully cooked and infused with the flavors of the sauce. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Love Our Kofta? Give Us Feedback!


If you make our Kofta, please leave a comment and/or rate the recipe! We’d love to hear your feedback. Also, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram! We love seeing our family’s favorite recipes being enjoyed by others!

Halfghan Kitchen Instagram

Kofta, a homemade Afghan meatball that is bursting with flavor. These succulent meatballs are infused with finely chopped onions, cilantro, and a flavorful blend of aromatic spices, delivering a tender and sensational mouthful in every bite. Covered in a rich curry sauce and served over fluffy bed of Basmati rice that perfectly complements the flavors.

Kofta: An Afghan Meatball

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Ingredients

Kofta

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1/2 Onion
  • 1 cup Cilantro
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 tsp Coriander
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Curry Sauce

  • 1/1 Onion, diced
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp Coriander
  • 2 cups Water

Instructions

  • Start by placing an onion, cilantro and into a food processor, pulsing until finely chopped, and then pour this mixture over ground beef.
  • Add minced garlic, an egg, cinnamon, salt, and Ariana Sweet’s Kofta Beef Masala seasoning, and thoroughly mix together.
  • Without this seasoning, add a mix of coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
  • Then shape the mixture into small balls and gently pressing them into patties, and set them aside.
  • Next add diced onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, turmeric, and coriander to a large pan.
  • Stir everything together and add water to create the curry sauce.
  • Allow the curry to simmer, and then add the meatballs (kofta) to the sauce.
  • Let it all cook for about 30 minutes until the curry thickens and your Kofta is cooked.
  • Serve the flavorful kofta curry over a bed of Basmati rice and savor the delicious meal!

Video

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