Kofta El-Haty is one of the most famous Egyptian dishes that combines great taste with health benefits. This recipe is characterized by its rich and satisfying flavor, as it is made from minced meat, which contains a good amount of protein and healthy fats. In addition to the onion, which contains antioxidants and vitamins, such as Vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. The chopped parsley is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin K, which promotes bone health. Spices like black pepper and paprika add a distinct flavor and enhance digestion. The cornstarch in the recipe helps improve the texture of the kofta and gives it a delicious taste. Preparing Kofta El-Haty does not take much time and is a dish full of energy and essential nutrients.

Ingredients:

1- Half a kilo of minced meat (preferably with some fat content)   
2- One large onion, finely chopped and drained of water (set aside the onion juice)   
3- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley   
4- 1 teaspoon of meat spices (7 spices)   
5- Half a teaspoon of salt   
6- Half a teaspoon of black pepper   
7- Half a teaspoon of paprika   
8- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Preparation Method:

1- In a food processor, place the minced meat, onion, spices, salt, black pepper, parsley, paprika, and cornstarch. Grind the ingredients well until they are blended and form a smooth dough that can be shaped.

2- Transfer the meat mixture to a deep bowl, cover it, and leave it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up during shaping.

3- Take the meat mixture out of the refrigerator and shape it into medium-sized, even fingers. While shaping, dip the fingers in the onion water to keep the kofta soft and add a great flavor.

4- Arrange the kofta in a baking dish greased with a little oil, and bake in an oven at 200°C for about half an hour, or until fully cooked and dark in color.

5- Light a piece of charcoal and place it in a piece of aluminum foil with a spoonful of oil. Put the foil over the cooked kofta and cover it to allow the kofta to absorb the grilling aroma.

6- Alternatively, the kofta can be cooked by placing it on skewers and grilling directly over charcoal.

7- Arrange the grilled kofta on a serving plate and serve with rice, bread, green salad, and tahini.

Creative Ways to Serve Kofta El Haty:

Kofta El Haty doesn’t always have to be served with rice or bread. There are many different ways to present the dish and give it a fresh twist every time:

Kofta Sandwich:
Served in a French baguette or traditional Arabic bread, with tahini sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.

Kofta with Tomato Sauce:
The kofta is grilled or baked, then simmered in a tomato sauce flavored with garlic, cumin, and chili, and served with plain white rice.

Kofta with Pasta:
The kofta is cooked, then added to pasta with either a red or white sauce according to preference.

Kofta Sticks:
Served on wooden skewers with a variety of dipping sauces, like barbecue sauce or mint yogurt dip.

Notes:

1- It is recommended to use meat with some fat content to ensure the kofta remains tender and rich in flavor.

2- A little crushed garlic can be added to the ingredients to enhance the flavor.

3- To ensure the kofta holds together and does not fall apart, it is advised to refrigerate it for an additional 15 minutes after shaping, before grilling.

4- The kofta can be served with a variety of sauces such as tahini or yogurt sauce to add diversity in flavors.

5- Enjoy preparing and tasting this delicious recipe, and share the joy of traditional cooking with family and friends.

Note: Kofta El-Haty is perfect for lovers of Eastern flavors but is not suitable for those following a meat-free diet or those with allergies to any of its ingredients.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients:

• Ground Meat: It is a rich source of proteins that help build muscles and regenerate tissues. It also contains iron, which boosts hemoglobin levels in the blood and fights anemia.
• Onion: Onions contain powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and Vitamin C, which help strengthen the immune system and promote heart health by reducing harmful cholesterol levels.
• Parsley: Rich in Vitamin K, which helps enhance bone health, and Vitamin C, which supports skin and immune system health. Additionally, parsley acts as a diuretic and aids in detoxification.
• Meat Spices (7 Spices): Contains a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, black pepper, and others, which contribute to improved digestion and metabolism. Some spices also reduce inflammation in the body.
• Black Pepper: Contains piperine, which enhances nutrient absorption and increases the body's ability to burn fat, helping with weight management.
• Salt: While it is necessary to consume salt in moderate amounts to maintain fluid balance in the body, excessive intake may lead to high blood pressure.
• Paprika: Contains strong antioxidants like Vitamin A, which promotes eye health and helps reduce body inflammation.
• Cornstarch: Helps improve the texture of foods and provides quick energy to the body due to its carbohydrate content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1️⃣ Can Kofta El Haty be grilled without an oven?
Yes, it can be grilled directly over charcoal, on an electric grill, or in a well-heated non-stick pan with a light brush of oil.

2️⃣ What is the best type of meat for Kofta El Haty?
The best cuts are shoulder or neck meat because they naturally contain around 20% fat, which keeps the kofta tender and juicy.

3️⃣ Why does kofta fall apart while grilling?
Common reasons include:

• Using meat with low fat content.
• Not draining the onion water properly.
• Not letting the meat mixture rest in the fridge.
• Skipping binding agents like starch or rice flour.

4️⃣ Can starch be replaced with another ingredient?
Yes — you can use rice flour or a pinch of fine breadcrumbs instead of starch.

5️⃣ How long can kofta be stored in the fridge before grilling?
It’s best to store it for 1 to 8 hours. The maximum is 24 hours if it’s properly covered.

6️⃣ Can it be grilled on an electric grill?
Yes — an electric grill is a great option for grilling kofta and gives it nice grill marks too.

7️⃣ Is the Kofta El Haty recipe suitable for a diet?
It can be adjusted for a diet by:

• Using leaner meat.
• Grilling or baking it without oil.
• Reducing the amount of salt and spices.

8️⃣ How many calories are in one piece of Kofta El Haty?
One piece (about 100 grams) contains approximately 220 - 250 calories, depending on its fat content.

9️⃣ How can I make the kofta soft and juicy?

• Use meat with a suitable fat percentage (20%).
• Drain onion water and use it while shaping.
• Let the mixture rest in the fridge.
• Don’t press it too hard while grilling.

🔟 Can chicken be used instead of beef?
Yes — but you’ll need to adjust the spices and increase the binding agent, like starch or oat flour.

Nutritional Values and Caloric Information:

• Ground Meat (500 grams): Approximately 1200 calories, 100 grams of protein, 90 grams of fat.
• Onion (1 medium, grated): Approximately 44 calories, 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Does not contribute significantly to calories.
• Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Does not contribute significantly to calories.
• Paprika (½ teaspoon): Does not contribute significantly to calories.
• Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Approximately 10 calories, 0 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat.
• Meat Spices (1 teaspoon): Does not contribute significantly to calories.
• Chopped Parsley (1 tablespoon): Approximately 1 calorie, 0 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat.

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities used.