Moroccan Beef Kebabs with Cilantro Mint Sauce Recipe | Ramadan Recipe Series

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and pork is often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt offers more protein and creaminess.

bell peppers

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: onions

Zucchini is lower in calories, while onions are often cheaper.

Start by making the cilantro mint sauce using a food processor or blender.

Add about 1 cup of cilantro (including stems) to the food processor.

Add about 0.5 to 1 cup of fresh mint leaves to the processor.

Add 4 to 5 heaping tablespoons of whole milk yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt).

Add 2 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise for creaminess.

Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (about 3 to 4 cloves).

Add about 0.5 teaspoon of red chili flakes (or substitute with a hot pepper).

Add fresh black pepper and salt to taste.

Pulse the food processor until everything is well incorporated.

Taste and adjust salt if necessary, then pulse again.

Transfer the sauce to a bowl and refrigerate overnight.

In a large bowl, add 1.5 pounds of ground beef.

Add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (about 4 to 5 cloves).

Add 1 minced red onion.

Add about 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to taste.

Add about 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to taste.

Add salt to taste and 1 egg.

Add about 0.5 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves and 0.5 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.

Mix the ingredients with hands or a wooden spoon until the mixture is sticky.

Shape the kebabs using a bowl of hot water to prevent sticking.

Rub hot water on palms before taking a handful of the mixture to form kebabs.

Optionally, put the kebabs on skewers.

Refrigerate the shaped kebabs for about 10 minutes.

Heat a frying pan on medium-high heat and add olive oil.

Gently place the kebabs in the hot oil to start cooking.

Cover the pan to let the kebabs steam for about 3 minutes.

After 3 to 4 minutes, check and gently turn the kebabs to brown the other side.

Cook until golden brown on both sides, which should take a few minutes on each side.

Once done, remove the kebabs from the pan and place them on a plate for serving.

Serve the kebabs with cilantro mint sauce and garlic naan or pita bread.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary