Za'atar Kebab, Yellow Rice, + Baladi Salad

Baladi Salad & Beef Kebab Rice Plate

Kofta kebabs and an Egyptian inspired baladi salad with yellow rice.

4 servings

Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Ethan ChlebowskiBy Ethan Chlebowski
Photography by Ethan Chlebowski

You can prep each component in advance and assemble bowls throughout the week when you’re hungry.

Ethan Chlebowski

Ethan Chlebowski

CREATOR

Ingredients

  • Yellow rice

    • water
      300 g1.5 parts
    • basmati rice
      200 g1 part
    • garlic
      , thinly sliced
      3 cloves
    • cooking oil
      a drizzle
    • turmeric powder
      a sprinkle
    • chicken bouillon powder
      a spoonful
  • Baladi salad

    • tomatoes
      , roughly diced
      1 part
    • cucumbers
      , roughly diced
      1 part
    • onions
      , thinly sliced
      1/2 part
    • lemon juice
      1/2 lemon
    • olive oil
      a drizzle
    • aleppo pepper
      a sprinkle
    • cumin
      a sprinkle
    • salt
      to taste
  • Beef kofta kebabs

    • ground beef
      , 80/20
      450 g1 lb
    • salt
      6 g1.5 %
    • za'atar
      7 g2%
    • lemon juice
      1/2 lemon
    • onions
      , grated
      1/2
  • White sauce

    • mayonnaise
      1 part
    • yogurt
      1 part
    • fresh dill
      , minced
      to taste
    • black pepper
      to taste

Method

Step 1: Make the rice

Set a pot or skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil to coat the cooking surface. Add the sliced garlic and for about a minute or until fragrant.

Add the rice to the pan followed by the turmeric and chicken bouillon powder. Stir for about 2 minutes until all the grains are evenly coated and begin to .

Add the water, bring to a , and cover. Reduce the heat to low and for 20-30 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

  • Alternatively, add the toasted rice mixture and water to a rice cooker to steam.

While that cooks, prep the other components.

Step 2: Make the baladi salad

Add all the components to a container and mix together. Taste and adjust as needed — more lemon for acidity, olive oil for texture, and salt or spices for seasoning.

Step 3: Prep the beef kofta

Add the beef, salt, za’atar, and lemon to a container. Using a box grater, grate the onion on the large holes and add it to the beef. Thoroughly work the kebab mixture until the meat begins to get tacky (the grated onion prevents the kebabs from getting tough).

Form the kebab mixture into your preferred shape. Try slightly flattened logs, about the size of a sausage (about 5” or 12cm).

Step 4: Sear the beef kofta

Preheat a griddle or pan over high heat. Once hot, add the kebabs to . Flip once they’ve developed deep on the bottom.

Sear the other side to finish cooking through. Remove from the heat.

Step 5: Make the sauce & assemble a plate

Mix together all white sauce ingredients in a container. Taste and adjust as needed.

Assemble (and/or reheat) a portion of yellow rice, beef kebabs, and baladi salad. Garnish with white sauce and optionally, extra aleppo pepper for color and heat.

LET'S COOK!

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