Imagine sitting at a vibrant Middle Eastern restaurant, the air filled with exotic spices and the promise of a culinary adventure. While it’s not always easy to convince everyone to explore new flavors, especially when comfort food favorites are absent, there’s a way to bring that enchanting experience right to your dining table. Our Keto Kofta Kebabs with Cauliflower-Rice & Feta Salad brings a piece of the Middle East into your home, without straying from your ketogenic lifestyle. Perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or when you simply crave something out of the ordinary, this dish combines the rich, aromatic flavors of the region with the healthful benefits of a keto diet.
Kofta Kebabs with Cauliflower-Rice & Feta Salad
This dish is a delightful journey for your taste buds, marrying the savory depth of ground meats with the fresh zing of a Mediterranean salad.
Ingredients
- For the Kofta Kebabs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground lamb
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tahini dressing, for drizzling
- For the Cauliflower-Rice:
- 1 head cauliflower, riced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Feta Salad:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp za’atar seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix together ground beef, ground lamb, onions, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into kebabs and grill, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- While the kebabs are grilling, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the riced cauliflower, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until tender.
- For the salad, combine cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, za’atar, olive oil, and vinegar in a bowl.
- Serve the kebabs over a bed of cauliflower rice, drizzled with tahini dressing, and accompanied by the feta salad.
Breakdown of Ingredients and Average Carb Content
Embracing the ketogenic lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. Here’s how the carbs stack up in our dish:
- Ground Beef & Lamb: 0g (meats are carb-free)
- Cauliflower-Rice: 5g per cup
- Onions, Garlic, Parsley, Spices: Negligible carbs
- Tahini Dressing: 3g per tablespoon (varies by brand)
- Cucumber: 3g per half cup
- Tomatoes: 4g per half cup
- Feta Cheese: 1g per ounce
The total carb count will depend on serving sizes, but each component is designed to fit within a keto dietary framework.
A Feast for the Senses
Our Keto Kofta Kebabs with Cauliflower-Rice & Feta Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a sensory experience that transports you to distant lands from the comfort of your home. It demonstrates beautifully that keto eating can be diverse, flavorful, and exciting. Whether you’re a long-time keto follower or just exploring, this dish promises satisfaction without the carb overload. Dive into the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern cuisine tonight and let your kitchen be your passport.