Zucchini Sauce Omani Style(For Kofta)

Recipe adapted from Laura Kelley at Silk Road Gourmet, where she journies through the cuisines, histories and cultures of the more than thirty countries that traded goods along that great lifeline of the ancient world. Posted in Global World Adventure. I have posted the recipe for the Kofta for those who want to make it. The sauce can be served with rice(or almost any grain), noodles, meat dishes, dig in and enjoy the great flavors of Oman! You could also crack a few eggs on top of the sauce and cook for Shakshouka.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3  medium zucchini
• 6  garlic cloves, crushed
• 1⁄3 cup olive oil
• 1  liter  can diced tomato
•  crushed red  chili, to taste
•  handful fresh parsley, chopped (2 Tbsp)
•  handful of fresh mint, chopped (2 Tbsp)
• 1  tablespoon  balsamic vinegar
•  salt & pepper

• If you want to make the Kofta

• 1  lb ground beef (or lamb)
• 1  tablespoon parsley, finely chopped (about a handful)
• 1  tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
• 1  tiny red onion, minced
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon ground coriander
• 1  teaspoon ground cumin
•  salt or  pepper

Directions

1. Fry the zucchini and garlic in olive oil until slightly browned. Add on the chili flakes, herbs, diced tomatoes, salt and pepper. A splash of vinegar brightens up the flavor. Simmer uncovered for just ten minutes. This is a quick sauce. It’s lit from within.
2. In the winter you could cook this at a low, slow bubble while watching the snow fall.
3. For the Kofta:
4. Mix the beef or lamb with the parsley, cilantro, red onion, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper. Knead for a few minutes, until the meat clears the sides of the bowl and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Roll the meat into 8 finger shaped Kofta. Dipping your clean fingers in a little water will help keep the meat from sticking. Cover and refrigerate until needed (at least 30 minutes for the flavors to mellow).
6. Meanwhile, prepare the chunky, bright zucchini sauce – an entire garden in every bite.
7. Grill the kofta over medium high heat.
8. Fill a large platter with the zucchini sauce and pile on the kofta. Garnish with more parsley and serve with rice and flatbread.