If you’re searching for a hearty, flavor-packed lunch or dinner, you’re going to be obsessed with this Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce! Juicy seared kofta loaded into warm pitas, drizzled with creamy, garlicky tahini, and finished with crisp veggies — it’s a Middle Eastern comfort classic that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentically Bold Flavors: A blend of Middle Eastern spices, fresh herbs, and saffron transforms simple ground beef into an aromatic, mouthwatering kofta that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version.
- Creamy Garlic Tahini Sauce: This sauce isn’t your average drizzle — it’s a velvety, garlicky dream that adds tang and richness to every single bite.
- Crunchy, Fresh Toppings: Crisp lettuce, cool cucumbers, and punchy onions bring balance and brighten every fold of pita.
- Easy to Customize: Swap ingredients or tweak the seasonings to make these sandwiches uniquely yours, no matter what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything on this ingredient list has a purpose — from the deeply spiced beef to the fresh veggies and the rich garlic tahini sauce. The ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen, working together for that craveable color, texture, and flavor that makes the Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce unforgettable.
- 90% lean ground beef (or lamb): High-quality meat forms the juicy, flavorful base of your kofta — lamb brings traditional richness, but beef is just as delicious and a bit lighter.
- Chopped parsley: This isn’t just a garnish! Parsley brightens the filling and infuses every bite with herbaceous freshness.
- Finely minced yellow onion: Onion adds subtle sweetness and moisture, helping the kofta stay tender.
- Ground turmeric: For a golden color and earthy depth, turmeric is essential — don’t skip it!
- Ground sumac: This tangy, lemony spice is a Middle Eastern favorite that gives the kofta a signature zing and gorgeous color.
- Saffron: Optional but luxurious, saffron’s floral notes bring an unmistakable fragrance and character.
- Salt and pepper: To round out the seasonings and let all the other flavors pop.
- Pitas: Soft, pillowy bread to wrap around all that savory goodness. Warm them up for the best experience.
- Lettuce, parsley, sliced onions, cucumbers, etc.: Vibrant, crunchy toppings add contrast and brighten the whole sandwich.
- Tahini paste: The heart of a creamy, nutty garlic tahini sauce—make sure it’s well-stirred.
- Garlic: The kick in your sauce! Fresh garlic gives big, bold flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Lemon brightens the tahini, adding acidity and pop.
- Olive oil: For smoothness and a subtle fruity finish in the sauce.
- Water: To help bring the sauce to the perfect drizzly consistency.
Variations
Your Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce can easily be reinvented to fit your kitchen, mood, and dietary needs. With a few simple swaps or creative add-ins, you can make this meal entirely your own!
- Chicken or Turkey Kofta: Lighten things up by swapping ground beef for ground chicken or turkey — just be sure to add a splash of olive oil to keep things moist!
- Vegetarian Magic: Try plant-based ground meat or even spicy roasted chickpea patties instead of traditional kofta for a veggie-forward twist.
- Spicy Kick: Fold some chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into your kofta mix for extra heat.
- Dairy Lovers: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or crumbled feta alongside the tahini sauce for tangy richness.
How to Make Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Kofta
Start by preparing the saffron (if you’re using it): add it to a small bowl with a couple tablespoons of warm water and cover — this lets its color and aroma bloom for maximum impact. In a mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, chopped onions, parsley, turmeric, sumac, the bloomed saffron with its water, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until it’s evenly blended. For truly mind-blowing flavor, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it rest for a full 24 hours. It’s worth the wait!
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Tahini Sauce
While your kofta mixture is marinating, turn your attention to that luscious garlic tahini sauce. In a food processor, combine the tahini, garlic, and lemon juice with a generous pinch of salt. Blend it all together, then—with the machine running—stream in the olive oil and a few tablespoons of warm water. Add water little by little until the sauce loosens to the perfect pourable texture. Taste, and adjust salt or lemon if needed. This sauce is the signature finishing touch for your Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce.
Step 3: Shape and Grill the Kofta
With the aromatic kofta mixture chilled and ready, form small patties (for quicker cooking) or larger ones, depending on your vibe. Fire up the grill or a grill pan to medium-high, then sear your patties until the outsides are browned with a smoky char and the inside is just cooked through — about 3-4 minutes per side for smaller patties. Rest the cooked kofta briefly while you prep your other fillings.
Step 4: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Warm those pitas until they’re soft and pliable. Stuff each with fresh lettuce, a couple slices of cucumber, onions, and parsley. Tuck in the juicy kofta patties and finish with a generous drizzle of your homemade garlic tahini sauce. Each Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce is a flavor bomb waiting to happen!
Pro Tips for Making Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce
- Let Flavors Marinate: The longer your kofta mixture chills, the deeper and more harmonious the spice and herb flavors become — overnight really does make a difference!
- Get That Grill Sizzle: Preheat your grill or pan until it’s hot before adding the kofta — this browns the outside quickly, sealing in juiciness and building irresistible flavor.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Make your garlic tahini sauce on the thicker side if you love a creamy bite, or thin it slightly with warm water for easy drizzling.
- Customize Your Toppings: Have fun with fresh additions like pickled turnips, sliced radish, or fresh mint for a personalized, bright finishing touch.
How to Serve Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce
Garnishes
A final shower of fresh parsley or mint, a light dusting of sumac, or a squeeze of lemon over your Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce will make flavors pop and colors sing. Don’t forget extra sauce on the side for dunking — it’s basically mandatory!
Side Dishes
Pair your sandwiches with a zesty fattoush salad, crispy oven-baked fries, or even a big bowl of bright tabbouleh. If you’re looking for something crunchy, a pile of pickled vegetables or roasted chickpeas is a fun, satisfying touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or meal prep, serve the kofta, pitas, veggies, and garlic tahini sauce “DIY bar” style, so everyone can build their own. Or stuff everything into mini pitas for adorable, two-bite sandwiches perfect for gatherings or snacks on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover kofta and garlic tahini sauce keep beautifully! Store kofta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and tuck sauce in a covered jar or bowl separately. Always assemble fresh with your favorite veggies for best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked or cooked kofta patties with great results! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then store them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling or reheating — so convenient for future cravings!
Reheating
To revive leftover kofta, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F (180°C) oven until hot. Microwaving works in a pinch, but reheating on the stove keeps the outside a little crisp!
FAQs
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Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! For the deepest flavor, prep the kofta mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. The spices and herbs develop and mingle, giving you even juicier, tastier patties when you’re ready to cook.
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What’s the best way to warm pita bread at home?
The best way is to wrap pitas in foil and pop them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or heat each one directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side for that nostalgic, slightly smokey flavor.
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Is there a substitute for sumac if I can’t find it?
If you don’t have sumac, use a pinch of extra lemon zest and a bit more black pepper. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get lots of bright, tangy flavor in your Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce.
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Can I use store-bought tahini sauce?
Store-bought is perfectly fine in a pinch, but homemade garlic tahini sauce is a total game-changer and takes just a few minutes with a blender or food processor. Once you taste the difference, you may never go back!
Final Thoughts
If food could give you a big warm hug, this Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce would be it! Don’t be surprised if these become a regular craving — give them a try, customize to your heart’s delight, and let every bite transport you straight to your favorite Mediterranean bistro. Enjoy!
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Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
Enjoy a delicious and flavorful Kofta Pita Sandwich with Garlic Tahini Sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal any time of the day. This recipe combines juicy kofta patties with a creamy garlic tahini sauce, wrapped in warm pita bread and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Kofta:
- 1 – 1 1/4 pound 90% lean ground beef (or lamb)
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron
- Salt and pepper
To Serve:
- Pitas
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Sliced onions
- Cucumbers
Garlic Tahini Sauce:
- 1/3 cup tahini paste
- 1–2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–5 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Marinate: Add the saffron (if using) to a small bowl along with two tablespoons of warm water. Combine ground beef with onions, parsley, turmeric, sumac, saffron, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Garlic Tahini Sauce: Blend tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor. Drizzle in olive oil and water until desired consistency.
- Make Kofta: Shape kofta patties and grill over medium-high heat until cooked through. Serve in pitas with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita sandwich
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
