Shawarma-Style Beef and Pumpkin Koftas with Oat Crunch

Savor the flavors of the Middle East with these tender beef and pumpkin koftas, infused with aromatic spices and wrapped in a crunchy oat coating, served with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce. The combination of beef stew meat, roasted pumpkin, and instant oats creates a unique and delicious dish. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of the Middle East.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium
Cuisine
Middle Eastern
  • middle eastern
  • slot-machine-generated
  • beef stew meat
  • pumpkin
  • instant oats
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Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1lbbeef stew meat, finely chopped
  • 1cuppumpkin, cooked and mashed
  • 1/2cupinstant oats, toasted
  • 1mediumonion, finely chopped
  • 3clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1tspcumin, ground
  • 1tspcoriander, ground
  • 1/2tsppaprika, smoked
  • 1/2tspsalt, to taste
  • 1/4tspblack pepper, to taste
  • 2tbspsolive oil, for cooking
  • 1cupplain yogurt, for tzatziki sauce
  • 1mediumcucumber, grated
  • 1/4cupfresh parsley, chopped
  • 2tbspslemon juice, freshly squeezed

Nutrition

Calories

420

105 per serving

Protein

32g

64% DV

Fat

20g

29% DV

Carbs

30g

10% DV

Macronutrient Breakdown

Protein30%
Fat43%
Carbs29%
Fiber
6g

% Daily Values based on a 2000 calorie diet

Step-by-Step

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the chopped beef, mashed pumpkin, toasted oats, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

    5mroom temperature
  2. 2

    Using your hands, shape the mixture into 8-10 koftas, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter and 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) long. Place the koftas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    5mroom temperature
  3. 3

    Drizzle the koftas with olive oil and gently roll them to coat evenly. Bake the koftas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.

    15m400°F (200°C)
  4. 4

    While the koftas are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the plain yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    5mroom temperature
  5. 5

    Once the koftas are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the koftas hot with a dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

    5mroom temperature
  6. 6

    To add an extra layer of crunch, toast the instant oats in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and fragrant. Sprinkle the toasted oats over the koftas before serving.

    2mmedium heat
  7. 7

    For an added burst of flavor, serve the koftas in a warm pita bread with your favorite Middle Eastern toppings, such as pickled turnips, sumac, and amba.

    2mroom temperature
  8. 8

    To make the dish more substantial, serve the koftas with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, tossed with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

    5mroom temperature