Smashed Beef Kebab With Cucumber Yogurt
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt
about 16 ounces
- 2 mini cucumbers
grated on the large holes of a box grater, about 1/2 pound
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped mint
plus mint leaves for serving
- 1 large garlic clove
finely grated
- 1 pound ground beef or ground lamb
preferably 80% lean
- 1 small yellow onion
grated on the large holes of a box grater, see Tip
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
such as Diamond Crystal
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup walnut halves or pieces
or both, see Tip
- 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
- Pomegranate molasses
optional, for serving
- Warmed pita or white rice
for serving
Directions
- 1
Add the yogurt, cucumbers, chopped mint and garlic to a medium bowl. Mix well to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
- 2
Add the beef, onion, turmeric, 1 teaspoon of salt and lots of black pepper to a second medium bowl and mix well to combine.
- 3
Heat a large well-seasoned cast-iron skillet (or other large heavy-bottomed pan) over medium-high. Once the skillet is very hot, divide beef into large, irregular chunks by using two spoons or your hands and drop into the skillet. Cook, undisturbed, until charred and crisp on the underside and browned at least halfway up the sides, 6 to 8 minutes.
- 4
Using a wooden spoon, toss the meat, breaking up any very large pieces. Add the walnuts and raisins and continue to cook, stirring often, until the meat is cooked to desired doneness and the walnuts are toasted, 2 to 3 minutes more.
- 5
Remove the yogurt from the fridge and season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Spread the yogurt on the bottom of a serving platter and top with the crispy meat. Finish with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses, if using, and garnish with mint leaves. Serve with warmed pita or rice.
Smashed Beef Kebab With Cucumber Yogurt
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About this Recipe
Craving a quick dinner that delivers bold flavors and a touch of the exotic? This Smashed Beef Kebab with Cucumber Yogurt brings the vibrant tastes of Persian cuisine right to your skillet, ready in minutes.The magic lies in transforming humble ground beef into a sensation: it's hard-seared on one side until gloriously crisp, echoing the texture of a perfectly cooked scallop. This satisfying crunch pairs beautifully with the cool, creamy cucumber yogurt, creating a dynamic contrast that keeps every bite exciting. Toasted walnuts and sweet raisins, cooked in the beef drippings, add another layer of texture and balance to the savory, spiced meat.Prepare for a symphony of textures and temperatures. You'll experience the rich, aromatic spice of the ground beef, with its wonderfully crispy exterior, nestled against a bed of refreshing, tangy yogurt infused with cool cucumber and fresh mint. The toasted nuts provide a buttery crunch, while the raisins offer bursts of sweetness, cutting through the savory notes. This dish is hearty and comforting, yet remarkably fresh and bright, making it an incredibly satisfying meal.
Customization & Serving
This versatile dish is easily adapted to your pantry. You can readily swap ground beef for ground lamb to deepen the savory notes. If raisins aren't your preference, dried cranberries offer a similar sweet-tart balance. For an extra layer of complexity, don't hesitate to drizzle with pomegranate molasses just before serving.This Smashed Beef Kebab makes an ideal weeknight dinner, perfect when you desire a flavorful meal without a long cooking process. Serve it alongside warmed pita for scooping, or over fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious juices.