Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs with Lemon-Tahini Sauce

By Jaclyn

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup packaged cooked quinoa
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped sweet onion
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, divided
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 1/4 teaspoons minced garlic, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pound 90% lean ground sirloin
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon tahini (roasted sesame seed paste)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
• Lemon wedges

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat broiler to high. Position oven rack 6 inches below heating element.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil; set a wire rack on top of foil. Coat rack with cooking spray. Combine quinoa, onion, mint, 2 tablespoons yogurt, cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic, and next 5 ingredients (through paprika) in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Add beef; pulse until well blended.
3. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Form 1 portion of beef mixture into a 3 1/2-inch-long patty around an 8-inch metal skewer; place on prepared wire rack. Repeat with remaining beef mixture. Place baking sheet in oven; broil 4 minutes. Turn skewers over; broil 3 to 4 minutes or until browned.
4. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons yogurt, 1 tablespoon water, tahini, juice, honey, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.
5. Arrange cucumber and tomato on a platter. Top with kebabs; drizzle with sauce. Serve with lemon wedges.