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Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip

Must-Try Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthyTuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip, a unique and healthy kebab recipe with bold Middle Eastern flavors!

Healthy Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy
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I’m intrigued by the wide array of flavor profiles and cooking styles found in various regions around the world.

Some recipes are so obscure, they can only be found in one remote village on the entire planet. Other dishes spread across country borders over time.

Light and Easy Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy

Kofta is a sort of pressed meatloaf that is popular all over the Middle East and Balkan regions. It’s most often made with ground lamb or goat, and served as meatballs or on skewers.

Making Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy #lowcarb

I’ve always enjoyed kofta kebabs with dipping sauce. Usually when I make them at home I use ground beef, or sometimes a combination of beef and lamb.

However this summer I thought it would be interesting to make a lighter kofta variation.

Genova Tuna

Today’s healthy recipe, Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip, is made with Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Easy-Open cans,  chickpeas, yogurt, fresh herbs, and spices.

How to Make Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy #lowcarb

The chickpeas hold the mixture together, giving it substance. The Genova Yellowfin Tuna provides the kofta with a lovely light seafood flavor, and packs in plenty of protein.

Adding good quality tuna packed in olive oil also helps keep the kofta from drying out.

Making Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy

These kofta kebabs have a tender falafel texture, with tons of flavor from garlic, yogurt, and spices. They kofta blend is so soft, it’s best to press it onto skewers and bake them in the oven.

However, you could sizzle them on a griddle with olive oil.

How to Make Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy

Tuna Chickpea Kofta is great on its own, but tastes even more delicious dipped in a quick sauce made with yogurt and harissa paste.

Both the kofta and the sauce can be made it minutes for a fast and healthy dinner! Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip is an easy mid-week meal, using pantry staples, that will wow your family at mealtime.

Easy Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy

Love quick healthy tuna recipes?

Check out our Tuna Pasta Salad with Olives and Capers recipe made with light flaky Genova Albacore Tuna! It’s a perfect potluck dish that happens to be packed with protein.

Light Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy

Disclosure: The post is sponsored by Genova Seafood. All opinions are our own.

Healthy Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip Recipe #healthy
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Healthy Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Healthy Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip - A light vibrant kebab recipe with bold Middle Eastern flavors. Low carb and high protein!
Servings: 12 kebabs

Ingredients

For the Harissa Yogurt Dip:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons harissa
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

For the Tuna Chickpea Kofta:

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Soak the wooden skewers in water.

For the Harissa Yogurt Dip:

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

For the Tuna Chickpea Kofta:

  • Place the drained tuna and chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to combine. Then add the egg, yogurt, onion, mint, garlic, lemon zest and spices. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Puree into a thick paste.
  • Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the tuna filling into three balls in a row, touching each other. Gently slide a wooden skewer through all three balls. Use your fingers to seal the seam around the skewers. Repeat.
  • Bake the kofta in the oven for 15 minutes, flipping once at the 8 minute mark. Allow the kofta to cool on the baking sheet at least 5 minutes before picking up. Garnish with smoked paprika, if desired. Serve warm with dipping sauce!

Notes

Can't find harissa? Try substituting tandoori paste for a unique flavor!

Nutrition

Serving: 1kebab, Calories: 97kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 242mg, Potassium: 184mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 115IU, Vitamin C: 1.2mg, Calcium: 52mg, Iron: 1.5mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Author: Sommer Collier

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One comment on “Tuna Chickpea Kofta with Harissa Yogurt Dip”

  1. These are in the oven right now and they smell like heaven! What an easy recipe to whip up in a hurry! Thanks again. You saved dinner. :-)