Beef Almond Koftas

Prep Time: 10 Mins

Cook Time: 30 Mins

Total Time: 40 Mins

Serves: 4

This recipe is adapted from Nik Sharma’s Lamb Koftas in Almond Gravy. This is such a warm, comforting, aromatic meal. I have complemented the rich almond sauce with baked lean beef meatballs, so the dish isn’t too heavy. When cooking lean ground beef, be sure to not overcook them or they will be very dry. I pull the meatballs out at 15 minutes and check one with an instant-read thermometer to be sure I do not overcook them. I like to serve them on rice with some steamed broccoli or a cucumber salad.     

Ingredients

For the Koftas:

600g lean ground beef

1 medium yellow onion

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon chili powder

1-inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1 large egg, lightly whisked

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Gravy:

2 tablespoons ghee, or neutral oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-inch fresh ginger

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon chili powder

½ cup almond flour

1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice

Fine sea salt

Mint for garnish

Rice, parathas, or rotis for serving

Directions

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1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Place the beef in a large mixing bowl with the onion, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, garlic, ginger, egg, and salt. Use your hands to mix until combined. Form 12-16 evenly-sized meatballs and place them on the baking tray. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). 

3. Meanwhile, prepare the gravy. Heat the ghee in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, 4-6 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the almond flour and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 cup of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Then reduce to a gentle simmer, add the koftas and cover with a lid to cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar or lemon juice. Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Serve topped with fresh mint accompanied by rice, paratha, or rotis. 

• Storing Tips

  Leftovers keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

• Nutrition

  Per 1 serving (3 total):

  Calories: 662

  Carbohydrates: 32g

  Protein: 50g

  Fat: 39g

  Saturated Fat: 15g

  Fiber: 4g

  Sugar: 1g