Mediterranean Chicken Kofta Rice Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki and Fresh Spring Vegetables
Juicy, herb-spiced chicken kofta served over fluffy basmati rice, drizzled with cool cucumber tzatziki and topped with crisp spring vegetables. A vibrant, protein-packed lunch bowl that brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken mince
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 300g basmati rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 200g Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 50g baby spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice for serving
Instructions
Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions and set aside, keeping warm.
In a large bowl, combine chicken mince, grated onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into oval kofta patties, approximately 2cm thick.
Prepare the tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, remaining 1 clove garlic, lemon juice, dried dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the kofta in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 75°C using a meat thermometer.
While kofta rest for 2 minutes, prepare serving bowls by dividing the warm rice between 4 bowls.
Top each bowl with 3 chicken kofta, a generous dollop of tzatziki, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and fresh baby spinach.
Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and serve immediately while warm.
Did you make this?
Upload your photo and show how it turned out.
