Kofta In The Oven
A Taste of Home: Suad’s Journey of Sharing, Nourishment, and Community
When Suad moved into Parkview in Frisco seven years ago, she brought with her a cherished family tradition that soon became a beloved fixture in the community. Her culinary journey began with the Watermark University Holy Lands cooking class. The joy she experienced ignited a passion for sharing her food with others. Suad quickly became known for her generosity, inviting residents, especially those who were ill, to enjoy meals prepared with love in her kitchen.
Word of Suad’s exceptional cooking spread throughout the community. Her meals, crafted with fresh, healthy ingredients, were not only delicious but also a testament to her desire to nourish and connect with others. Every month, Suad hosts gatherings at her home, welcoming family, friends, and even new faces. Her meals have become a cherished event, where guests are treated to a feast that reflects her deep-rooted cultural values.
Suad's dedication to sharing food is deeply personal. It harks back to her childhood, growing up among refugees, where sharing and supporting one another was a way of life. This tradition of giving, forged during times of scarcity and conflict, remains a cornerstone of her identity. Even during war and in the harshest of summers, Suad and her family would find ways to create meals from scratch with whatever they could gather, reflecting a resilience and resourcefulness that she continues to embrace.
Her cooking, rich with Middle Eastern flavors, is a celebration of her heritage. Dishes often feature fresh vegetables, meats, and rice, complemented by an array of fruits like figs, grapes, cherries, and apples. In a region known for its vibrant produce and ideal weather, Suad’s meals are a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East. For her, cooking is more than a skill — it's a way to express love, share culture, and build community, making her home a haven of warmth and flavor.
Kofta In The Oven
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 lbs white potatoes (not Idaho; gold or white potatoes preferred)
- 1 bag baby carrots
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes, sliced into medium discs
- 1 jar of Ragú® sauce (garlic sauce)
- Water
Directions
Prepare the Kofta Mixture:
Combine the lamb, onions, parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape the mixture into long logs (kofta shapes).
Prepare Potatoes:
Peel the white potatoes and cut into long slices (aim for about 4 slices per potato).
Wash potato slices to remove excess starch.
Assemble the Dish:
In a 9x13 glass-rimmed baking dish, alternate layers of potato slices and kofta logs.
Scatter baby carrots over the top.
Layer sliced tomatoes on top of carrots.
Add Sauce and Bake:
Pour Ragú sauce over the dish.
Fill the Ragú jar with water and pour over top of the sauce.
Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake:
Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) degrees.
Remove from oven when potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, but not mushy
Serve:
Remove foil and serve hot with the Fresh Green Salad. (recipe below)
Fresh Green Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
For The Salad:
- 4-5 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped and washed
- 3 baby cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 4 green onions, washed and thinly sliced
- 1 small container cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch parsley, washed, dried, and minced
- 1 bunch mint, washed and chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1 small container of lemon juice concentrate
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, baby cucumbers, green onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Add minced parsley and chopped mint to the bowl.
Toss ingredients to mix well.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
Slowly whisk in olive oil until well combined.
Assemble and Serve:
Just before serving, drizzle prepared sauce over the salad.
Toss salad to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.
Enjoy!