Kofta b'siniyah from Jerusalem (page 195) by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi

Always check the publication for a full list of ingredients. An Eat Your Books index lists the main ingredients and does not include 'store-cupboard ingredients' (salt, pepper, oil, flour, etc.) - unless called for in significant quantity.

Notes about this recipe

kkmatti on September 30, 2024

These were ok, but I found myself a little disappointed and probably won't make these again. Like others here have said, I would recommend adding more salt to these than the recipe calls for. The pine nuts are ok, but don't play a critical role so I think it's ok to skip them. Update: These were strangely much better the second day. I think it's because I served it with rice on day #2 and didn't have the tahini sauce base.
rhb on December 02, 2022

Really good. We skip the melted butter, it doesn't seem to do much.
jenburkholder on August 23, 2021

We made only the meatballs, subbing Impossible ground in for the meat. Turned out well; would make like that again.
mackerman on November 29, 2020

This is a staple in our home, delicious and easy. Everyone always loves it.
Lsblackburn1 on July 04, 2019

Cooked these outside on the grill on skewers. Delicious and easy to do ahead.
stef on January 01, 2018

Used half lamb,half veal. Yes a little more salt is needed otherwise delicious and quick to make. Will make again
paulabee on July 09, 2016

liked these; will make again, at which point I will add more salt (perhaps sprinkling salt on the outside of the meant before searing). I would also slightly increase herbs. I served with a tahini-heavy hummus, which worked well.
twoyolks on February 08, 2016

I omitted the pine nuts (per family preferences) but these were very flavorful and very good. I'd consider cooking them on the grill in the future to improve the flavor.
Barb_N on March 24, 2014

I have made this a couple times- I skimped on the spices the first time being put off by such large quantities. Trust the chef- it seems like a lot of spice but it is just right.
mcvl on August 11, 2013

Made as a flat meatloaf rather than patties, baked the sauce on top of the loaf for the last five minutes. I love the bitterness of the tahini sauce, and I love the flavor and texture of the pine nuts. V. easy, v. good.
TrishaCP on July 27, 2013

Pretty simple to put together and with good flavor. Nice to not have to use eggs as a binder, but I would probably skip the pine nuts next time- didn't like the texture or flavor here. I agree that the tahini sauce is bitter and definitely benefits from more lemon juice.
Delys77 on January 31, 2013

Pg. 195 Easy to prepare and quite flavourful, although I would up the salt in the kofta a bit. I found the tahini sauce a touch bitter, but so I would go with a little less tahini next time and a bit more lemon to jazz it up a bit. The recipe has good bones and would be very good stuffed in a pita with greek salad.