If you’ve never tried Baked Kofta with Potatoes, you’re in for a real treat that warms the soul and satisfies every craving for comfort food. This dish is a beautiful harmony of spiced ground meat and tender, golden potatoes baked together, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas that hint at the flavors to come. Each bite offers a delicate balance of savory spices and hearty textures that make it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Kofta with Potatoes lies in its simplicity, with every ingredient playing an indispensable role. From the richly spiced ground beef that forms the kofta, to the earthy potatoes that soak up all those delicious juices, these straightforward components come together to create layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love.
- 500g Ground beef: The star protein, providing a juicy and meaty base that holds the spices and binds the kofta.
- 1 Onion, grated: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, blending beautifully into the meat for a tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the kofta mixture, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon Cumin: Offers a deep earthy flavor that gives the dish its signature Middle Eastern-inspired profile.
- 3 Potatoes, sliced: These soak up the savory juices during baking and become irresistibly soft and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Used to coat the potatoes and kofta, ensuring a crisp edge and preventing dryness.
How to Make Baked Kofta with Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Start by grating your onion finely, as this will blend perfectly into the ground beef, keeping it moist and tender. Combine the grated onion with ground beef, paprika, and cumin in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly so the spices distribute evenly, creating that classic spiced flavor that makes Baked Kofta with Potatoes so special.
Step 2: Shape the Kofta Patties
Once your mixture is well combined, divide it evenly and shape into small, compact patties. The size is up to you, but aim for something about the size of a golf ball flattened slightly – this helps them cook evenly alongside the potatoes.
Step 3: Arrange in Baking Tray
Lay the sliced potatoes in a single layer in a baking dish. Place the kofta patties nestled between the potato slices. This arrangement allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors from the meat, while also baking to a perfect tenderness and color.
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Bake
Drizzle the olive oil over both the kofta and potatoes – this step gives everything a gorgeous golden finish and helps develop a crisp texture where the oil touches. Bake the tray in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes. During this time, the potatoes soften and the kofta cooks through, infusing the whole dish with rich, comforting flavors.
How to Serve Baked Kofta with Potatoes
Garnishes
To elevate your Baked Kofta with Potatoes, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top just before serving. A spoonful of tangy yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce complements the spices wonderfully and adds that fresh, creamy touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs effortlessly with a simple green salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. If you want to add some grains, fluffy rice or warm pita bread work beautifully to soak up any leftovers from the baking tray.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the kofta sliders-style on small buns with a tangy yogurt sauce and pickled vegetables. Alternatively, you can layer the kofta and potatoes with roasted veggies for a hearty casserole presentation that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Baked Kofta with Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even further, making your next meal delightfully tasty without any extra effort.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled kofta patties and potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the meat and potatoes. Adding a splash of water or covering loosely with foil will help keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground lamb makes for a wonderfully rich and authentic flavor in Baked Kofta with Potatoes, adding a slightly gamier note that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Are there vegetarian alternatives to kofta?
Yes, you can swap the meat for a mixture of mashed chickpeas, grated vegetables, and spices to create delicious vegetarian kofta patties that bake just as nicely with the potatoes.
What if I don’t have cumin or paprika?
If you’re missing those spices, you can replace them with a pinch of chili powder or garam masala for a different but still tasty spin on the classic kofta flavor.
How do I ensure the potatoes cook through evenly?
Slicing the potatoes evenly and arranging them in a single layer under and around the kofta helps ensure they cook at the same rate and soak up all those delicious meat juices.
Can this recipe be doubled for a bigger group?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might need a bit longer to cook evenly when baked in a larger quantity.
Final Thoughts
Baked Kofta with Potatoes is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to whip up any day of the week and impressive enough to serve at your next family dinner. I can’t recommend it highly enough — give this recipe a try, and watch it quickly become a treasured staple in your kitchen!