Smashed Beef Kebab With Cucumber Yogurt

Name: Smashed Beef Kebab With Cucumber Yogurt
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt (about 16 ounces); 2 mini cucumbers (about ½ pound), grated on the large holes of a box grater; 3 tablespoons finely chopped mint, plus mint leaves for serving; 1 large garlic clove, finely grated; 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80 percent lean) or ground lamb; 1 small yellow onion, grated on the large holes of a box grater (see Tips); ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; 2 teaspoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal); Freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup walnut halves or pieces, or both (see Tips); 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries; Pomegranate molasses, optional, for serving; Warmed pita or white rice, for serving

7 steps

Prep:15minCook:10min

Updated at: Sun, 31 May 2026 21:24:18 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Unbalanced

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

Moderate

Nutrition per serving

Calories581.8 kcal (29%)

Total Fat41.2 g (59%)

Carbs18.1 g (7%)

Sugars7.4 g (8%)

Protein35 g (70%)

Sodium1036.7 mg (52%)

Fiber1.5 g (5%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

4 servings

2 cupsfull-fat Greek yogurt

or low-fat

0.5 poundmini cucumbers

grated on the large holes of a box grater

3 tablespoonsmint

finely chopped, plus mint leaves for serving

1garlic clove

large, finely grated

1 poundground beef

preferably 80 percent lean, or ground lamb

1yellow onion

small, grated on the large holes of a box grater

½ teaspoonground turmeric

2 teaspoonskosher salt

such as

freshly ground black pepper

¼ cupwalnut halves

or pieces, or both

2 tablespoonsraisins

or dried cranberries

Pomegranate molasses

optional, for serving

pita

Warmed, or white rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1

Add the yogurt, cucumbers, chopped mint and garlic to a medium bowl. Mix well to combine. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 2

Add the beef, onion, turmeric, 1 teaspoon of salt and lots of black pepper to a second medium bowl and mix well to combine.

Step 3

Heat a large well-seasoned cast-iron skillet (or other large heavy-bottomed pan) over medium-high. Once the skillet is very hot, divide beef into large, irregular chunks by using two spoons or your hands and drop into the skillet. Cook, undisturbed, until charred and crisp on the underside and browned at least halfway up the sides, 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 4

Using a wooden spoon, toss the meat, breaking up any very large pieces. Add the walnuts and raisins and continue to cook, stirring often, until the meat is cooked to desired doneness and the walnuts are toasted, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Step 5

Remove the yogurt from the fridge and season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Spread the yogurt on the bottom of a serving platter and top with the crispy meat. Finish with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses, if using, and garnish with mint leaves. Serve with warmed pita or rice.

Step 6

TIPS

Step 7

To minimize eye irritation while grating, use a chilled onion.