Middle Eastern Spiced Beef Kofta with Tahini Sauce

Begin by preparing the bulgur wheat. Bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of bulgur wheat, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.

While the bulgur cooks, finely dice 1 medium onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic. Finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of fresh mint.

In a large bowl, combine 12 oz of ground beef with half of the diced onion, all of the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and mint. Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Add 1 large egg and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place the shaped kofta on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.

While the kofta chills, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini paste, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of water, whisking until smooth. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and set aside.

Prepare the vegetable accompaniment by dicing 1 medium cucumber, halving 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and finely slicing 1/4 cup of red onion. Toss these together in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the kofta patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).

Warm 2 pita breads in the oven or toaster.

To serve, divide the cooked bulgur wheat between two plates. Place 4 kofta patties on each plate alongside the bulgur. Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve with the vegetable mixture and warm pita bread.