If you have been searching for a dish that perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with fresh, vibrant textures, look no further than Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. This dish combines spiced ground beef kofta, creamy homemade hummus, and a crisp tomato cucumber salad to create a harmonious plate that excites every sense. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a comforting yet healthy meal, this recipe effortlessly delivers bold flavors and delightful contrasts in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward making this unforgettable dish. Each component plays a crucial role: the spices build complexity in the beef, the creamy hummus adds richness, and the fresh salad provides a refreshing crunch and tang.
- Ground beef (80% lean): The hearty base that absorbs all the aromatic spices beautifully, ensuring juicy kefta.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and texture to the meat mixture.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings unmistakable warmth and depth to both kefta and hummus.
- Ground cumin: Offers earthy, smoky notes essential to authentic kefta flavor.
- Ground coriander: Adds citrusy brightness, balancing the spices perfectly.
- Paprika: Enhances color and adds a mild smoky sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: A pinch creates a subtle, exotic hint reminiscent of Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Provides heat if you like a little kick in your kefta.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasonings to bring all ingredients into harmony.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds vibrant green freshness and herbaceous flavor.
- Fresh mint (chopped): Offers a cool contrast to warm spices in the kefta.
- Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed): The creamy foundation for the hummus, packed with protein and fiber.
- Tahini: Sesame seed paste that lends a rich, nutty flavor to hummus.
- Olive oil: Used both in the hummus and salad for luscious texture and fruity notes.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens hummus and salad with essential acidity.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy little bursts of sweetness in the salad.
- Cucumber (diced): Adds crisp, refreshing crunch to balance rich kefta and hummus.
- Red onion (finely chopped): Contributes a mild sharpness and lovely color contrast.
- Vinegar of choice: Brings zippy tang to the tomato cucumber salad, enhancing its freshness.
How to Make Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Beef Kefta
Start by combining the ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and all your warm spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. Mix in fresh parsley and mint to brighten every bite. Mixing thoroughly ensures the seasonings integrate and the meat remains tender. Once combined, shape the mixture into 2-3 inch elongated meatballs or patties—these classic shapes help cook the kefta evenly and look inviting on the plate.
Step 2: Cooking the Kefta
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the kefta for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’ll want each piece to develop a nice brown crust while staying juicy inside. Cooking slowly and not overcrowding the pan ensures even heat distribution. When they’re perfectly seared and cooked through, set them aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 3: Making the Hummus
Place drained chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt into a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to add water one tablespoon at a time to loosen the mixture—this step determines the silky texture that makes homemade hummus so satisfying. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice to suit your preferences. This hummus is rich yet refreshing, the perfect creamy counterpart to the spiced kefta.
Step 4: Assembling the Tomato Cucumber Salad
Combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley in a mixing bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil and your choice of vinegar—this adds acidity that wakes up the fresh ingredients. Season well with salt and pepper, then toss everything to coat evenly. This salad is the bright, crisp partner that provides balance to the plate.
Step 5: Final Assembly of Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Arrange the freshly cooked beef kefta alongside a generous scoop of homemade hummus and a vibrant mound of tomato cucumber salad on your serving platter. The contrasting colors and textures make this dish as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Serve immediately for the best experience of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, consider sprinkling extra chopped fresh parsley or mint over the kefta for a burst of herbal aroma. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the hummus adds glossy richness. Toasted pine nuts scattered on top can offer an enjoyable crunch. These small garnishes make your plate pop and add exciting texture details.
Side Dishes
This meal is quite complete on its own, but if you want to round it out, warm pita bread or fluffy couscous pairs wonderfully. A side of grilled vegetables or a simple yogurt-based sauce like tzatziki can also complement the bold flavors and add creaminess or freshness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style spread, lay out all components separately on a large platter, allowing everyone to create their own perfect bite. Alternatively, serve kefta skewers instead of patties for a more dramatic presentation. You might also consider spooning hummus onto individual plates and topping with kefta and salad artfully arranged for an elegant dinner party look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the beef kefta, hummus, and tomato cucumber salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them separate preserves their individual textures and flavors better.
Freezing
The kefta freezes well if you want to prepare ahead; place the cooked patties in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Hummus and salad are best enjoyed fresh and do not freeze well due to texture changes upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen kefta gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain juiciness without drying out. Avoid microwaving hummus; serve it cold or at room temperature. The tomato cucumber salad is best fresh but can be briefly chilled before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the kefta?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and flavorful, you can use ground lamb for a richer taste or ground turkey for a lighter option. Just keep the spice balance the same to preserve the authentic flavor.
Is it possible to make vegan or vegetarian kefta for this recipe?
Yes. You can substitute the beef with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, seasoned similarly and shaped into patties. Though it differs from traditional kefta, this alternative is delicious and pairs perfectly with hummus and salad.
How do I make the salad less tangy if I prefer milder flavors?
Simply reduce the amount of vinegar used and increase olive oil slightly to balance the acidity. You can also add a small pinch of sugar or honey to mellow the flavors without overpowering the freshness.
What can I serve with hummus if I don’t want to make kefta?
Hummus is extremely versatile—try it as a dip for fresh vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or alongside grilled chicken or fish. It adds a creamy, flavorful touch to many dishes.
Can I prepare the kefta mixture in advance?
Yes, mixing the ground beef with spices and herbs a few hours ahead or even the night before allows the flavors to deepen. Keep the mixture covered and refrigerated until ready to shape and cook.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly satisfying about the combination of spiced, juicy beef kefta, creamy homemade hummus, and fresh tomato cucumber salad. This Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe truly brings together vibrant flavors, inviting textures, and a sense of homemade comfort that will have you going back for seconds. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it at home—it’s a feast that delights every palate and makes any meal feel special.
Print
Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad recipe is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish combining spiced grilled ground beef patties with creamy homemade hummus and a fresh, tangy tomato cucumber salad. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect balanced meal featuring aromatic spices, vibrant vegetables, and satisfying protein.
Ingredients
For the Beef Kefta
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
For the Hummus
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2–4 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
For the Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar (red wine or apple cider)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparing the Beef Kefta: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of spices throughout the meat.
- Shaping the Kefta: Form the meat mixture into 2-3 inch elongated meatballs or patties, typical of traditional kefta shapes. Make sure they are compact to hold their shape during cooking.
- Cooking the Kefta: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the kefta patties on the surface and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice browned crust and are fully cooked through. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to rest briefly.
- Making the Hummus: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. To adjust texture, add water one tablespoon at a time until the hummus reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Assembling the Tomato Cucumber Salad: In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and your choice of vinegar (red wine or apple cider) and season with salt and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the vegetables and meld the flavors.
- Final Assembly: On a serving platter, arrange the cooked beef kefta patties alongside a generous scoop of the creamy hummus and a portion of the fresh tomato cucumber salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use 80% lean ground beef for juicy, flavorful kefta; leaner beef can result in dry patties.
- Adjust cayenne pepper level to your spice preference or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add brightness; feel free to increase amounts for a fresher taste.
- For smoother hummus, peel the chickpeas before blending, though this step is optional.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor in hummus.
- The tomato cucumber salad is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Can be served with warm pita bread or over rice for a fuller meal.
