Beef Kofta in Tomato Sauce
Juicy beef kofta infused with aromatic spices, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce and brightened with fresh flat-leaf parsley. Serves 4.
TOTAL TIME
1 hr 24 min
ACTIVE TIME
33 min
QUANTITY
16 pieces · ~1.85 kg
DIFFICULTY
Easy
CUISINE
—
Who’s eating
A
People here are for suitability — allergies, preferences and what to watch for. Portion sizing is off for this recipe.
Ingredients0/16
Tools0/15
Ingredients0/16 gathered · 4 servings
2piece
7clove
45g
500g
2tsp
1tsp
2.5tsp
0.5tsp
0.5tsp
2tsp
0.5tsp
2tbsp
0.5tsp
800g
1tsp
120ml| # | Product | Quantity | Notes | State | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 2piece | — | — | |
| 2 | | 7clove | — | — | |
| 3 | | 45g | — | — | |
| 4 | | 500g | — | — | |
| 5 | | 2tsp | — | — | |
| 6 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 7 | | 2.5tsp | — | — | |
| 8 | | 0.5tsp | — | — | |
| 9 | | 0.5tsp | — | — | |
| 10 | | 2tsp | — | — | |
| 11 | | 0.5tsp | — | — | |
| 12 | | 2tbsp | — | — | |
| 13 | | 0.5tsp | — | — | |
| 14 | | 800g | — | — | |
| 15 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 16 | | 120ml | — | — |
Tools16 items
Serveware1 item
Procedure52 steps
1 of 52
Lay one onion on the chopping board.
Yellow onion · 1 piece
⏱ 5s
ResultYellow onion2 of 52
Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled onion halves4 of 52
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
Garlic clove · 3 clove⏱ 5s
ResultGarlic clove5 of 52
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled garlic cloves8 of 52
Lay the parsley on the board.
Flat-leaf parsley · 30 g⏱ 5s
ResultFlat-leaf parsley11 of 52
Add the minced beef.
Minced beef · 500 g
⏱ 10s
ResultKofta base and mince12 of 52
Add 2 teaspoons of the ground cumin.
Ground cumin · 2 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with ground cumin13 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the ground coriander.
Ground coriander · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with ground coriander14 of 52
Add 1.5 teaspoons of the smoked paprika.
Smoked paprika · 1.5 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with smoked paprika15 of 52
Add 0.5 teaspoons of the ground cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon · 0.5 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with ground cinnamon16 of 52
Add 0.5 teaspoons of the ground allspice.
Ground allspice · 0.5 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with ground allspice17 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.
Fine salt · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSalted kofta mix18 of 52
Add half a teaspoon of pepper.
Ground black pepper · 0.5 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSeasoned kofta mix19 of 52
Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.
⏱ 1 min 30s
ResultKofta mixture20 of 52
With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray.
Into 16 equal portions
⏱ 5 min
ResultShaped kofta21 of 52
Put the tray in the fridge.
⏱ 10s
ResultShaped kofta22 of 52
Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.
⏱ 20 min
ResultChilled kofta24 of 52
Lay the onion on the chopping board.
Yellow onion · 1 piece⏱ 5s
ResultYellow onion25 of 52
Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled onion halves28 of 52
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
Garlic clove · 4 clove⏱ 5s
ResultGarlic clove29 of 52
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled garlic cloves32 of 52
Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.
Extra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp
⏱ 5s
ResultExtra-virgin olive oil33 of 52
Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.
⏱ 1 min
ResultHot oil35 of 52
Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.
⏱ 6 min
ResultBrowned kofta37 of 52
Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.
Extra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbspBrowned kofta · step 36⏱ 5s
ResultFat and oil38 of 52
Add the onion and garlic.
⏱ 10s
ResultOnion and garlic in oil39 of 52
Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.
⏱ 7 min
ResultSoft onion base40 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.
Smoked paprika · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSauce base with smoked paprika41 of 52
Add 0.5 teaspoons of the chilli flakes.
Chilli flakes · 0.5 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSauce base with chilli flakes42 of 52
Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
⏱ 30s
ResultSpiced onion base43 of 52
Tip in the chopped tomatoes.
Tinned chopped tomatoes · 800 g⏱ 10s
ResultSpiced tomatoes44 of 52
Add the sugar.
Caster sugar · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSweetened tomatoes45 of 52
Pour in the water.
Water · 120 ml⏱ 5s
ResultLoosened tomatoes46 of 52
Add the rest of the salt.
Fine salt · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSeasoned tomato sauce47 of 52
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.
⏱ 10 min
ResultTomato sauce48 of 52
Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.
⏱ 20s
ResultKofta and sauce49 of 52
Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.
⏱ 10s
50 of 52
Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 71 °C on a thermometer.
⏱ 15 min
ResultKofta in tomato sauceused in step 5351 of 52
Lay the last of the parsley on the board.
Flat-leaf parsley · 15 g⏱ 5s
ResultFlat-leaf parsleyTotal Time1 hr 24 min
| # | Product | Tool | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 piece | | Lay one onion on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultYellow onion |
| 2 | Yellow onionstep 1 | | Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled onion halves |
| 3 | Peeled onion halvesstep 2 |  | Grate it coarsely into the large bowl.⏱ 1 minResultGrated onion |
| 4 | 3 clove | | Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultGarlic clove |
| 5 | Garlic clovestep 4 | | Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled garlic cloves |
| 6 | Peeled garlic clovesstep 5 | | Chop the garlic finely.⏱ 45sResultChopped garlic |
| 7 | Chopped garlicstep 6 | | Add the garlic to the onion.⏱ 5sResultOnion and garlic |
| 8 | 30 g | | Lay the parsley on the board.⏱ 5sResultFlat-leaf parsley |
| 9 | Flat-leaf parsleystep 8 | | Chop the leaves finely.⏱ 40sResultFinely chopped parsley |
| 10 | Finely chopped parsleystep 9 | | Add the parsley to the bowl.⏱ 5sResultKofta base |
| 11 | 500 g | | Add the minced beef.⏱ 10sResultKofta base and mince |
| 12 | 2 tsp | | Add 2 teaspoons of the ground cumin.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with ground cumin |
| 13 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the ground coriander.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with ground coriander |
| 14 | 1.5 tsp | | Add 1.5 teaspoons of the smoked paprika.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with smoked paprika |
| 15 | 0.5 tsp | | Add 0.5 teaspoons of the ground cinnamon.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with ground cinnamon |
| 16 | 0.5 tsp | | Add 0.5 teaspoons of the ground allspice.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with ground allspice |
| 17 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.⏱ 5sResultSalted kofta mix |
| 18 | 0.5 tsp | | Add half a teaspoon of pepper.⏱ 5sResultSeasoned kofta mix |
| 19 | — | | Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.⏱ 1 min 30sResultKofta mixture |
| 20 | Kofta mixturestep 19 | With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray. → Into 16 equal portions⏱ 5 minResultShaped kofta | |
| 21 | — | | Put the tray in the fridge.⏱ 10sResultShaped kofta |
| 22 | — | Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.⏱ 20 minResultChilled kofta | |
| 23 | — | | Take the tray out of the fridge.⏱ 10sResultChilled koftaused in step 34 |
| 24 | 1 piece | | Lay the onion on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultYellow onion |
| 25 | Yellow onionstep 24 | | Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled onion halves |
| 26 | Peeled onion halvesstep 25 | | Dice it finely.⏱ 1 min 30sResultDiced onion |
| 27 | Diced onionstep 26 |  | Put the onion in the medium bowl.⏱ 5sResultDiced onion |
| 28 | 4 clove | | Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultGarlic clove |
| 29 | Garlic clovestep 28 | | Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled garlic cloves |
| 30 | Peeled garlic clovesstep 29 | | Chop the garlic finely.⏱ 45sResultChopped garlic |
| 31 | Chopped garlicstep 30 | | Add the garlic to the onion.⏱ 5sResultOnion and garlic for the sauceused in step 38 |
| 32 | 1 tbsp | | Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.⏱ 5sResultExtra-virgin olive oil |
| 33 | — | | Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.⏱ 1 minResultHot oil |
| 34 | Chilled koftastep 23 | | Add the kofta in a single layer.⏱ 30sResultKofta frying |
| 35 | — | | Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.⏱ 6 minResultBrowned kofta |
| 36 | Browned koftastep 35 |  | Lift them onto the plate.⏱ 20sResultBrowned koftaused in step 48 |
| 37 | 1 tbsp | | Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.⏱ 5sResultFat and oil |
| Browned koftastep 36 | |||
| 38 | Onion and garlic for the saucestep 31 | | Add the onion and garlic.⏱ 10sResultOnion and garlic in oil |
| 39 | — | | Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.⏱ 7 minResultSoft onion base |
| 40 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.⏱ 5sResultSauce base with smoked paprika |
| 41 | 0.5 tsp | | Add 0.5 teaspoons of the chilli flakes.⏱ 5sResultSauce base with chilli flakes |
| 42 | — | | Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.⏱ 30sResultSpiced onion base |
| 43 | 800 g | | Tip in the chopped tomatoes.⏱ 10sResultSpiced tomatoes |
| 44 | 1 tsp | | Add the sugar.⏱ 5sResultSweetened tomatoes |
| 45 | 120 ml | | Pour in the water.⏱ 5sResultLoosened tomatoes |
| 46 | 1 tsp | | Add the rest of the salt.⏱ 5sResultSeasoned tomato sauce |
| 47 | — | | Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.⏱ 10 minResultTomato sauce |
| 48 | Browned koftastep 36 | | Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.⏱ 20sResultKofta and sauce |
| 49 | — | | Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.⏱ 10s |
| 50 | — | | Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 71 °C on a thermometer.⏱ 15 minResultKofta in tomato sauceused in step 53 |
| 51 | 15 g | | Lay the last of the parsley on the board.⏱ 5sResultFlat-leaf parsley |
| 52 | Flat-leaf parsleystep 51 | | Chop it roughly.⏱ 30sResultRoughly chopped parsleyused in step 54 |
| Total Time | 1 hr 24 min | ||
Serving
- Spoon the kofta and sauce into 4 warm shallow bowls.
- Scatter the parsley over and serve.
Nutritionper serving
Estimated · pre-cooking · 100% ingredients covered
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| 467kcal | |
| 34g | |
| 30g | |
| 10g | |
| 27g | |
| 8g | |
| 7g | |
| 1,551mg |
Ingredients0/16
Tools0/15
Recipe
Beef Kofta in Tomato Sauce
Juicy beef kofta infused with aromatic spices, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce and brightened with fresh flat-leaf parsley. Serves 4.
What you’ll doYou will mix minced beef with grated onion, garlic, parsley and warm spices, shape it into 16 kofta and chill them. Brown them in a deep frying pan, make a smoky tomato sauce in the same pan, then return the kofta to simmer, covered, until cooked through.
Serves4
Total1 hr 24 min
LevelMedium
Ingredients
- Yellow onion2 piece
- Garlic clove7 clove
- Flat-leaf parsley45 g
- Minced beef500 g
- Ground cumin2 tsp
- Ground coriander1 tsp
- Smoked paprika2.5 tsp
- Ground cinnamon0.5 tsp
- Ground allspice0.5 tsp
- Fine salt2 tsp
- Ground black pepper0.5 tsp
- Extra-virgin olive oil2 tbsp
- Chilli flakes0.5 tsp
- Tinned chopped tomatoes800 g
- Caster sugar1 tsp
- Water120 ml
Tools
SpoonPan lidTongsChef's knifeMedium bowlLarge bowlWooden spoonRefrigeratorShallow bowlBox graterLarge deep frying panCooking thermometerTrayPlateChopping boardThermometer
Method
1
Lay one onion on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardYellow onion · 1 piece
2
Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeYellow onion · step 1
3
Grate it coarsely into the large bowl.
1 minLarge bowl, Box graterPeeled onion halves · step 2
4
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardGarlic clove · 3 clove
5
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic clove · step 4
6
Chop the garlic finely.
45sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 5
7
Add the garlic to the onion.
5sLarge bowlChopped garlic · step 6
8
Lay the parsley on the board.
5sChopping boardFlat-leaf parsley · 30 g
9
Chop the leaves finely.
40sChopping board, Chefs knifeFlat-leaf parsley · step 8
10
Add the parsley to the bowl.
5sLarge bowlFinely chopped parsley · step 9
11
Add the minced beef.
10sLarge bowlMinced beef · 500 g
12
Add 2 teaspoons of the ground cumin.
5sLarge bowlGround cumin · 2 tsp
13
Add 1 teaspoon of the ground coriander.
5sLarge bowlGround coriander · 1 tsp
14
Add 1.5 teaspoons of the smoked paprika.
5sLarge bowlSmoked paprika · 1.5 tsp
15
Add 0.5 teaspoons of the ground cinnamon.
5sLarge bowlGround cinnamon · 0.5 tsp
16
Add 0.5 teaspoons of the ground allspice.
5sLarge bowlGround allspice · 0.5 tsp
17
Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.
5sLarge bowlFine salt · 1 tsp
18
Add half a teaspoon of pepper.
5sLarge bowlGround black pepper · 0.5 tsp
19
Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.
1 min 30sLarge bowl, Wooden spoon
20
With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray. → Into 16 equal portions
5 minTrayKofta mixture · step 19
21
Put the tray in the fridge.
10sTray, Refrigerator
22
Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.
20 minTray
23
Take the tray out of the fridge.
Result · Chilled kofta · used in step 34
10sTray, Refrigerator
24
Lay the onion on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardYellow onion · 1 piece
25
Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeYellow onion · step 24
26
Dice it finely.
1 min 30sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled onion halves · step 25
27
Put the onion in the medium bowl.
5sMedium bowlDiced onion · step 26
28
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardGarlic clove · 4 clove
29
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic clove · step 28
30
Chop the garlic finely.
45sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 29
31
Add the garlic to the onion.
Result · Onion and garlic for the sauce · used in step 38
5sMedium bowlChopped garlic · step 30
32
Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.
5sLarge deep frying panExtra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp
33
Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.
1 minLarge deep frying pan
34
Add the kofta in a single layer.
30sLarge deep frying pan, TongsChilled kofta · step 23
35
Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.
6 minLarge deep frying pan, Tongs
36
Lift them onto the plate.
Result · Browned kofta · used in step 48
20sPlate, TongsBrowned kofta · step 35
37
Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.
5sLarge deep frying panExtra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp
38
Add the onion and garlic.
10sLarge deep frying panOnion and garlic for the sauce · step 31
39
Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.
7 minLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon
40
Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.
5sLarge deep frying panSmoked paprika · 1 tsp
41
Add 0.5 teaspoons of the chilli flakes.
5sLarge deep frying panChilli flakes · 0.5 tsp
42
Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
30sLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon
43
Tip in the chopped tomatoes.
10sLarge deep frying panTinned chopped tomatoes · 800 g
44
Add the sugar.
5sLarge deep frying panCaster sugar · 1 tsp
45
Pour in the water.
5sLarge deep frying panWater · 120 ml
46
Add the rest of the salt.
5sLarge deep frying panFine salt · 1 tsp
47
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.
10 minLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon
48
Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.
20sLarge deep frying pan, TongsBrowned kofta · step 36
49
Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.
10sLarge deep frying pan, Pan lid
50
Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 71 °C on a thermometer.
Result · Kofta in tomato sauce · used in step 53
15 minLarge deep frying pan, Thermometer
51
Lay the last of the parsley on the board.
5sChopping boardFlat-leaf parsley · 15 g
52
Chop it roughly.
Result · Roughly chopped parsley · used in step 54
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeFlat-leaf parsley · step 51
53
Spoon the kofta and sauce into 4 warm shallow bowls. → Into 4 equal portions
40sShallow bowl, SpoonKofta in tomato sauce · step 50
54
Scatter the parsley over and serve.
Result · Beef Kofta in Tomato Sauce
15sShallow bowlRoughly chopped parsley · step 52
Printed 6 October 2026