Pomegranate-Glazed Kofta Skewers

These juicy, spiced kofta skewers are coated in a sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze, making them a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. Garnished with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs, they’re ideal for a flavorful appetizer or a main course served with yogurt sauce and warm pita.

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏱ Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the kofta:

1 lb (450g) ground lamb or beef

1 small onion, finely grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cinnamon

Salt & black pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

For the glaze:

½ cup pomegranate molasses

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Pomegranate seeds

Yogurt sauce (plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of olive oil and garlic)

Instructions

Prepare the kofta mixture:

In a bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, garlic, parsley, and spices. Mix well and form into oval-shaped meatballs around wooden skewers.

Cook the kofta:

Heat a grill pan or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush skewers with olive oil and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine pomegranate molasses, honey, balsamic vinegar, and chili flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Glaze the skewers:

Brush the cooked kofta with the pomegranate glaze and let it caramelize slightly for 1-2 minutes.

Serve:

Arrange the skewers on a plate, garnish with fresh parsley and pomegranate seeds. Serve with yogurt sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Pomegranate-Glazed Kofta Skewers

✅ Use fresh herbs – Fresh parsley or cilantro enhances the flavor of the kofta. Don’t skip it!
✅ Grate the onion – Instead of chopping, grating the onion helps keep the kofta juicy and distributes flavor evenly.
✅ Chill the mixture – Let the kofta mixture rest in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before shaping. This helps it hold together better.
✅ Don’t overwork the meat – Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the kofta tender.
✅ Soak skewers – If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
✅ Caramelize the glaze – Brush the pomegranate glaze onto the kofta in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to create a delicious sticky coating.

Q/A

❓ Can I make this with chicken or turkey?
✔️ Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works well, but since they’re leaner, add 1 tbsp olive oil to keep them moist.

❓ What can I use instead of pomegranate molasses?
✔️ You can substitute with balsamic glaze, a mix of honey and lemon juice, or a reduced pomegranate juice syrup.

❓ Can I cook these in an air fryer?
✔️ Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

❓ What sides go well with these skewers?
✔️ Serve with warm pita bread, garlic yogurt sauce, couscous, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.

❓ Can I prepare the kofta in advance?
✔️ Yes! Shape the kofta a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.