Golden Tanoor

Oven-Baked Kofta in Creamy Tahini: A Middle Eastern Comfort Classic

This Kofta Oven Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish, bringing together juicy spiced kofta, roasted tomatoes, and onions in a rich, creamy tahini sauce. Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, this recipe balances warm spices, fresh herbs, and a velvety tahini-yogurt blend to create a meal that is both hearty and satisfying. The best part? It all comes together in the oven, making it a simple yet impressive dish to serve at family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Kofta:

  • 500g minced beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp salt

For the Tomato & Onion Base:

  • 3 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped into medium chunks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp sumac
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 squirt of honey

For the Tahini Sauce:

  • 1 cup tahini
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 3 tbsp plain white yogurt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp sumac
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 squirt of honey

Method

  1. Prepare the Kofta:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and chopped green chili.
    • Add the black pepper, cardamom, paprika, cinnamon, and salt.
    • Mix everything well until the spices are fully incorporated.
    • Shape the mixture into small, oval-shaped kofta pieces.
  2. Prepare the Tomato & Onion Base:
    • In a Pyrex or ovenproof dish, add the sliced tomatoes and chopped onion.
    • Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and sumac.
    • Drizzle with olive oil and add a squirt of honey.
    • Mix well to coat everything evenly.
  3. Bake the Tomato & Onion Base:
    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Place the Pyrex dish with just the tomato and onion mixture into the oven.
    • Bake for 15–20 minutes until softened and golden.
  4. Prepare the Tahini Sauce:
    • In a separate bowl, mix together the tahini, lime juice, yogurt, black pepper, cumin, sumac, salt, and honey.
    • Stir until smooth and well combined.
  5. Bake the Kofta:
    • Once the tomato and onion mixture is ready, take it out of the oven and pour out any excess juices into a separate bowl.
    • Place the kofta pieces on top of the tomato and onion base.
    • Return the dish to the oven and bake until the kofta is fully cooked through.
  6. Finish with the Tahini Sauce:
    • Once the kofta is done, pour the reserved juices into the tahini sauce and mix well.
    • Pour this creamy mixture over the kofta and return to the oven.
    • Bake for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the kofta beautifully.
  7. Serve & Enjoy:
    • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
    • Enjoy with warm pita bread, rice, or a fresh side salad.

This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and is packed with rich, deep flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine