Celebrity Chefs Recipes: Traci Des Jardins's Meatless Kofta

Photos: Vic Chin, Video: Vic Chin and Peter Ruocco, Words & Recipe: Traci Des Jardins

This is a recipe which can be made with plant-based meat (Impossible, Beyond, etc.), ground beef or ground lamb, each with equally delicious results.

This is easy to prep and a very satisfying meal. You could serve them as a snack or as a main course with salad, cucumbers, hummus and pita for a delicious full meal!

Meatless Kofta

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb plant-based meat of your choice
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 shallots, finely minced, about 2 tablespoons
• 1-2 cloves very fresh garlic, grated on a microplane
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 3 tablespoons chopped mint
• 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin (toasted)
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground coriander (toasted)
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into a bowl, mix thoroughly.
2. Form mixture into slightly flat football-shaped kofta, about the size of a small golf ball.
3. Grill on a hot grill or in a pan over high heat on all sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
4. To serve, spread a dollop of the yogurt sauce on a plate, arrange kofta on top; garnish with torn mint leaves.

Yogurt Sauce:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek style or drained yogurt
• 3 tablespoons chopped mint
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of espelette pepper or cayenne
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ ground pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning.