Garam Masala or Italian Spiced Beef Koftas

These small meat patties are flavor packed with garam masala. A spice combination that originates from India. They cook up quickly on the grill, but can also be cooked in a hot skillet on the stovetop. This recipe can be easily doubled and would be a great crowd pleaser, easy for people to take and safely “distance” ????.
Serve over a pile of saffron rice, tomato+onion+cucumber salad and yogurt+cucumber sauce. Don’t forget the warmed pita or naan!

1 lb Ground beef

2 Garlic cloves, super finely grated or mashed

1 Piece of ginger, about 1 inch, finely grated, mashed

1 tbsp Garam Marsala spice, groundItalian herb blend can be substituted

1 Med onion, blended with 1/4 cup of water

2 tbsp Fresh basil, finely chopped2 tsp of dried basil can be substituted. Or mint or marjoram can be substituted

2 Egg yolks

3 tbsp Panko bread crumbs

Salt and pepper to tasteOil

Gently toast garam marsala in a skillet. Allow the color to darken slightly. This step opens up the aromatics. Let it cool in a small bowl.
Using the same skillet, heat over medium heat a tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and ginger mixture. Sauté for about a minute.
Mix garlic and ginger into the bowl with garam marsala.

In a medium bowl, mix together beef, onions, basil and spice mixture.
Add egg yolks and panko and mix well.
Allow to combine for at least 30 minutes.

Heat grill to about 400-450 degrees.
As a taste test, cook a small amount of meat. Flatten a small amount and quickly cook. Taste cooked patty and adjust seasonings, adding salt or pepper.

For the rest of meat;
Shape the beef into sausage-like rolls. About 1/4-1/2 cup of meat per roll.
On lightly oiled grates, gently press shaped meat, slightly flattening. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side. Cooking the meat like a hamburger patty.

Serve with saffron rice, tomato+cucumber+onion salad, yogurt sauce and a warm piece of naan or pita. Enjoy!!

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Garam Masala or Italian Spiced Beef Koftas