Chicken Kofta in Tomato Sauce

Name: Chicken Kofta in Tomato Sauce
Total time: 1 h 23 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: middle eastern
Ingredients: 1 piece Yellow onion; 4 clove Garlic clove; 20 g Flat-leaf parsley; 500 g minced chicken; 2 tsp Ground cumin; 1 tsp Ground coriander; 1 tsp Smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper; 1 piece Yellow onion; 3 clove Garlic clove; 1 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp Ground cumin; 1 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Chilli flakes; 800 g Tinned chopped tomatoes; 1 tsp Caster sugar; 1 tsp Salt; 20 g Coriander leaves

1 hr 23 min · 33 min active · makes 16 pieces · ~1.7 kg · Easy

Juicy chicken kofta spiced with coriander and smoked paprika, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness. Serves 4.

See more →

Chicken Kofta in Tomato Sauce

Juicy chicken kofta spiced with coriander and smoked paprika, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness. Serves 4.

See more →

TOTAL TIME

1 hr 23 min

ACTIVE TIME

33 min

QUANTITY

16 pieces · ~1.7 kg

DIFFICULTY

Easy

CUISINE

—

Who’s eating

People here are for suitability — allergies, preferences and what to watch for. Portion sizing is off for this recipe.

Portions & fullness

Ingredients0/15

Tools0/15

Ingredients

0/15 gathered · 4 servings

2piece

7clove

20g

500g

3tsp

1tsp

2tsp

0.5tsp

2tsp

0.5tsp

2tbsp

1tsp

800g

1tsp

20g

#	Quantity	Notes	State
1	2piece	—	—
2	7clove	—	—
3	20g	—	—
4	500g	—	—
5	3tsp	—	—
6	1tsp	—	—
7	2tsp	—	—
8	0.5tsp	—	—
9	2tsp	—	—
10	0.5tsp	—	—
11	2tbsp	—	—
12	1tsp	—	—
13	800g	—	—
14	1tsp	—	—
15	20g	—	—

Tools

16 items

Serveware

1 item

Procedure

51 steps

1 of 51

Lay one onion on the chopping board.

Yellow onion · 1 piece

⏱ 5s

ResultYellow onion

2 of 51

Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.

Yellow onion · step 1

⏱ 30s

ResultPeeled onion halves

3 of 51

Grate it coarsely into the large bowl.

Peeled onion halves · step 2

⏱ 1 min

ResultGrated onion

4 of 51

Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.

Garlic clove · 4 clove

⏱ 5s

ResultGarlic clove

5 of 51

Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.

Garlic clove · step 4

⏱ 30s

ResultPeeled garlic cloves

6 of 51

Chop the garlic finely.

Peeled garlic cloves · step 5

⏱ 45s

ResultChopped garlic

7 of 51

Add the garlic to the onion.

Chopped garlic · step 6

⏱ 5s

ResultOnion and garlic

8 of 51

Lay the parsley on the board.

Flat-leaf parsley · 20 g

⏱ 5s

ResultFlat-leaf parsley

9 of 51

Chop the leaves finely.

Flat-leaf parsley · step 8

⏱ 40s

ResultFinely chopped parsley

10 of 51

Add the parsley to the bowl.

Finely chopped parsley · step 9

⏱ 5s

ResultKofta base

11 of 51

Add the minced chicken.

Minced chicken · 500 g

⏱ 10s

ResultKofta base and mince

12 of 51

Add 2 teaspoons of the ground cumin.

Ground cumin · 2 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultKofta mix with ground cumin

13 of 51

Add 1 teaspoon of the ground coriander.

Ground coriander · 1 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultKofta mix with ground coriander

14 of 51

Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.

Smoked paprika · 1 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultKofta mix with smoked paprika

15 of 51

Add 0.5 teaspoons of the ground cinnamon.

Ground cinnamon · 0.5 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultKofta mix with ground cinnamon

16 of 51

Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.

Salt · 1 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultSalted kofta mix

17 of 51

Add half a teaspoon of pepper.

Ground black pepper · 0.5 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultSeasoned kofta mix

18 of 51

Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.

⏱ 1 min 30s

ResultKofta mixture

19 of 51

With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray.

Into 16 equal portions

Kofta mixture · step 18

⏱ 5 min

ResultShaped kofta

20 of 51

Put the tray in the fridge.

⏱ 10s

ResultShaped kofta

21 of 51

Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.

⏱ 20 min

ResultChilled kofta

22 of 51

Take the tray out of the fridge.

⏱ 10s

ResultChilled koftaused in step 33

23 of 51

Lay the onion on the chopping board.

Yellow onion · 1 piece

⏱ 5s

ResultYellow onion

24 of 51

Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.

Yellow onion · step 23

⏱ 30s

ResultPeeled onion halves

25 of 51

Dice it finely.

Peeled onion halves · step 24

⏱ 1 min 30s

ResultDiced onion

26 of 51

Put the onion in the medium bowl.

Diced onion · step 25

⏱ 5s

ResultDiced onion

27 of 51

Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.

Garlic clove · 3 clove

⏱ 5s

ResultGarlic clove

28 of 51

Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.

Garlic clove · step 27

⏱ 30s

ResultPeeled garlic cloves

29 of 51

Chop the garlic finely.

Peeled garlic cloves · step 28

⏱ 45s

ResultChopped garlic

30 of 51

Add the garlic to the onion.

Chopped garlic · step 29

⏱ 5s

ResultOnion and garlic for the sauceused in step 37

31 of 51

Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.

Extra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp

⏱ 5s

ResultExtra-virgin olive oil

32 of 51

Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.

⏱ 1 min

ResultHot oil

33 of 51

Add the kofta in a single layer.

Chilled kofta · step 22

⏱ 30s

ResultKofta frying

34 of 51

Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.

⏱ 6 min

ResultBrowned kofta

35 of 51

Lift them onto the plate.

Browned kofta · step 34

⏱ 20s

ResultBrowned koftaused in step 47

36 of 51

Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.

Extra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbspBrowned kofta · step 35

⏱ 5s

ResultFat and oil

37 of 51

Add the onion and garlic.

Onion and garlic for the sauce · step 30

⏱ 10s

ResultOnion and garlic in oil

38 of 51

Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.

⏱ 7 min

ResultSoft onion base

39 of 51

Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cumin.

Ground cumin · 1 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultSauce base with ground cumin

40 of 51

Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.

Smoked paprika · 1 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultSauce base with smoked paprika

41 of 51

Add 1 teaspoon of the chilli flakes.

Chilli flakes · 1 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultSauce base with chilli flakes

42 of 51

Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

⏱ 30s

ResultSpiced onion base

43 of 51

Tip in the chopped tomatoes.

Tinned chopped tomatoes · 800 g

⏱ 10s

ResultSpiced tomatoes

44 of 51

Add the sugar.

Caster sugar · 1 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultSweetened tomatoes

45 of 51

Add the rest of the salt.

Salt · 1 tsp

⏱ 5s

ResultSeasoned tomato sauce

46 of 51

Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.

⏱ 10 min

ResultTomato sauce

47 of 51

Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.

Browned kofta · step 35

⏱ 20s

ResultKofta and sauce

48 of 51

Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.

⏱ 10s

49 of 51

Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 74 °C on a thermometer.

⏱ 15 min

ResultKofta in tomato sauceused in step 52

50 of 51

Lay the coriander on the board.

Coriander leaves · 20 g

⏱ 5s

ResultCoriander leaves

51 of 51

Chop the leaves roughly.

Coriander leaves · step 50

⏱ 30s

ResultRoughly chopped corianderused in step 53

Total Time1 hr 23 min

#	Product	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	4 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	20 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 chicken.⏱ 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 tsp	Add 1 teaspoon 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	1 tsp	Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.⏱ 5sResultSalted kofta mix
17	0.5 tsp	Add half a teaspoon of pepper.⏱ 5sResultSeasoned kofta mix
18	—	Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.⏱ 1 min 30sResultKofta mixture
19	Kofta mixturestep 18	With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray. → Into 16 equal portions⏱ 5 minResultShaped kofta
20	—	Put the tray in the fridge.⏱ 10sResultShaped kofta
21	—	Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.⏱ 20 minResultChilled kofta
22	—	Take the tray out of the fridge.⏱ 10sResultChilled koftaused in step 33
23	1 piece	Lay the onion on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultYellow onion
24	Yellow onionstep 23	Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled onion halves
25	Peeled onion halvesstep 24	Dice it finely.⏱ 1 min 30sResultDiced onion
26	Diced onionstep 25	Put the onion in the medium bowl.⏱ 5sResultDiced onion
27	3 clove	Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultGarlic clove
28	Garlic clovestep 27	Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled garlic cloves
29	Peeled garlic clovesstep 28	Chop the garlic finely.⏱ 45sResultChopped garlic
30	Chopped garlicstep 29	Add the garlic to the onion.⏱ 5sResultOnion and garlic for the sauceused in step 37
31	1 tbsp	Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.⏱ 5sResultExtra-virgin olive oil
32	—	Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.⏱ 1 minResultHot oil
33	Chilled koftastep 22	Add the kofta in a single layer.⏱ 30sResultKofta frying
34	—	Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.⏱ 6 minResultBrowned kofta
35	Browned koftastep 34	Lift them onto the plate.⏱ 20sResultBrowned koftaused in step 47
36	1 tbsp	Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.⏱ 5sResultFat and oil
36	Browned koftastep 35
37	Onion and garlic for the saucestep 30	Add the onion and garlic.⏱ 10sResultOnion and garlic in oil
38	—	Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.⏱ 7 minResultSoft onion base
39	1 tsp	Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cumin.⏱ 5sResultSauce base with ground cumin
40	1 tsp	Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.⏱ 5sResultSauce base with smoked paprika
41	1 tsp	Add 1 teaspoon 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	1 tsp	Add the rest of the salt.⏱ 5sResultSeasoned tomato sauce
46	—	Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.⏱ 10 minResultTomato sauce
47	Browned koftastep 35	Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.⏱ 20sResultKofta and sauce
48	—	Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.⏱ 10s
49	—	Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 74 °C on a thermometer.⏱ 15 minResultKofta in tomato sauceused in step 52
50	20 g	Lay the coriander on the board.⏱ 5sResultCoriander leaves
51	Coriander leavesstep 50	Chop the leaves roughly.⏱ 30sResultRoughly chopped corianderused in step 53
Total Time		1 hr 23 min

Serving

Spoon the kofta and sauce into 4 warm shallow bowls.
Scatter the coriander over and serve.

Nutrition

per serving

Estimated · pre-cooking · 100% ingredients covered

Nutrient	Per serving
	293kcal
	31g
	12g
	2g
	27g
	8g
	7g
	1,548mg

Ingredients0/15

Tools0/15

Recipe

Chicken Kofta in Tomato Sauce

Juicy chicken kofta spiced with coriander and smoked paprika, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness. Serves 4.

What you’ll doYou will mix minced chicken with grated onion, garlic, parsley and warm spices, shape 16 kofta and chill them so they hold together. Brown them in a deep frying pan, make a smoky tomato sauce in the same pan, then simmer the kofta in it, covered, until cooked through, and finish with coriander.

Serves4

Total1 hr 23 min

LevelMedium

Ingredients

Yellow onion2 piece
Garlic clove7 clove
Flat-leaf parsley20 g
Minced chicken500 g
Ground cumin3 tsp
Ground coriander1 tsp
Smoked paprika2 tsp
Ground cinnamon0.5 tsp
Salt2 tsp
Ground black pepper0.5 tsp
Extra-virgin olive oil2 tbsp
Chilli flakes1 tsp
Tinned chopped tomatoes800 g
Caster sugar1 tsp
Coriander leaves20 g

Tools

SpoonPan lidTongsChef's knifeMedium bowlLarge bowlWooden spoonRefrigeratorShallow bowlBox graterLarge deep frying panCooking thermometerTrayPlateChopping boardThermometer

Method

Lay one onion on the chopping board.

5sChopping boardYellow onion · 1 piece

Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.

30sChopping board, Chefs knifeYellow onion · step 1

Grate it coarsely into the large bowl.

1 minLarge bowl, Box graterPeeled onion halves · step 2

Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.

5sChopping boardGarlic clove · 4 clove

Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.

30sChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic clove · step 4

Chop the garlic finely.

45sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 5

Add the garlic to the onion.

5sLarge bowlChopped garlic · step 6

Lay the parsley on the board.

5sChopping boardFlat-leaf parsley · 20 g

Chop the leaves finely.

40sChopping board, Chefs knifeFlat-leaf parsley · step 8

Add the parsley to the bowl.

5sLarge bowlFinely chopped parsley · step 9

Add the minced chicken.

10sLarge bowlMinced chicken · 500 g

Add 2 teaspoons of the ground cumin.

5sLarge bowlGround cumin · 2 tsp

Add 1 teaspoon of the ground coriander.

5sLarge bowlGround coriander · 1 tsp

Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.

5sLarge bowlSmoked paprika · 1 tsp

Add 0.5 teaspoons of the ground cinnamon.

5sLarge bowlGround cinnamon · 0.5 tsp

Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.

5sLarge bowlSalt · 1 tsp

Add half a teaspoon of pepper.

5sLarge bowlGround black pepper · 0.5 tsp

Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.

1 min 30sLarge bowl, Wooden spoon

With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray. → Into 16 equal portions

5 minTrayKofta mixture · step 18

Put the tray in the fridge.

10sTray, Refrigerator

Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.

20 minTray

Take the tray out of the fridge.

Result · Chilled kofta · used in step 33

10sTray, Refrigerator

Lay the onion on the chopping board.

5sChopping boardYellow onion · 1 piece

Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.

30sChopping board, Chefs knifeYellow onion · step 23

Dice it finely.

1 min 30sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled onion halves · step 24

Put the onion in the medium bowl.

5sMedium bowlDiced onion · step 25

Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.

5sChopping boardGarlic clove · 3 clove

Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.

30sChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic clove · step 27

Chop the garlic finely.

45sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 28

Add the garlic to the onion.

Result · Onion and garlic for the sauce · used in step 37

5sMedium bowlChopped garlic · step 29

Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.

5sLarge deep frying panExtra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp

Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.

1 minLarge deep frying pan

Add the kofta in a single layer.

30sLarge deep frying pan, TongsChilled kofta · step 22

Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.

6 minLarge deep frying pan, Tongs

Lift them onto the plate.

Result · Browned kofta · used in step 47

20sPlate, TongsBrowned kofta · step 34

Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.

5sLarge deep frying panExtra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp

Add the onion and garlic.

10sLarge deep frying panOnion and garlic for the sauce · step 30

Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.

7 minLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon

Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cumin.

5sLarge deep frying panGround cumin · 1 tsp

Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.

5sLarge deep frying panSmoked paprika · 1 tsp

Add 1 teaspoon of the chilli flakes.

5sLarge deep frying panChilli flakes · 1 tsp

Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

30sLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon

Tip in the chopped tomatoes.

10sLarge deep frying panTinned chopped tomatoes · 800 g

Add the sugar.

5sLarge deep frying panCaster sugar · 1 tsp

Add the rest of the salt.

5sLarge deep frying panSalt · 1 tsp

Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.

10 minLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon

Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.

20sLarge deep frying pan, TongsBrowned kofta · step 35

Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.

10sLarge deep frying pan, Pan lid

Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 74 °C on a thermometer.

Result · Kofta in tomato sauce · used in step 52

15 minLarge deep frying pan, Thermometer

Lay the coriander on the board.

5sChopping boardCoriander leaves · 20 g

Chop the leaves roughly.

Result · Roughly chopped coriander · used in step 53

30sChopping board, Chefs knifeCoriander leaves · step 50

Spoon the kofta and sauce into 4 warm shallow bowls. → Into 4 equal portions

40sShallow bowl, SpoonKofta in tomato sauce · step 49

Scatter the coriander over and serve.

Result · Chicken Kofta in Tomato Sauce

15sShallow bowlRoughly chopped coriander · step 51

Printed 6 October 2026