Bord Bia has developed a delicious series of Irish beef recipes that are perfect for those long, sunny afternoons spent in the garden with family and friends.  

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mcith_Picture1.pngSucculent, seasoned Irish beef is perfectly matched with cooling mint yoghurt.”

Serves 2

Ingredients

75g bulgar wheat

2 tbsp olive oil

1 mild red chilli, seeded and finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

½ tsp ground coriander

½ tsp ground cumin

500g lean rump steak, cut into cubes (with all visible fat removed)

1 egg

40g pine kernels, finely chopped

2 tsp chopped fresh mint

1 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Lightly dressed mixed green salad, to serve (optional)

For the spiced yoghurt:

250g thick Greek yoghurt

2 mild red chillies, seeded and finely chopped

1 tsp chopped fresh mint

1 tsp snipped fresh chives

1 tsp chopped fresh coriander

1 tsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 garlic clove, crushed

½ tsp ground cumin

Sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

Method

1.     To make the spiced yoghurt, place the yoghurt in a bowl and stir in the chillies, mint, chives, coriander, parsley, garlic and cumin. Season to taste and cover with clingfilm. Chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to allow the flavours to develop.

2.     To make the beef koftas, soak the bulgar wheat in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. In a separate dish soak twelve bamboo skewers in plenty of water to prevent them from burning.

3.     Preheat a grill and line the grill rack with foil. Alternatively, if using a charcoal barbecue, light it 30 minutes before you want to start cooking. If using a gas barbecue, light it 10 minutes beforehand.

4.     Heat a frying pan with half of the olive oil and gently fry the chilli, onion, ground coriander and cumin for 15 minutes until well softened but not coloured. Remove from the heat and leave to cool, then tip into a food processor.

5.     Add the beef to the onion mixture in the food processor with the egg and half a tsp of salt and blend to a smooth paste. Transfer to a large bowl.

6.     Drain the bulgar wheat in a sieve, then squeeze dry and, using your hands, work into the beef mixture with the pine nuts, mint and parsley. Season to taste. Using wet hands, shape small handfuls of the mixture into log-shaped koftas. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have 12 koftas in total.

7.     Brush the grill rack of the grill or barbecue with the remaining oil and cook the koftas for 8–10 minutes until cooked through and browned. Drain on kitchen paper and then divide between warmed plates with some salad, if liked.

8.     Serve with a bowl of the spiced yoghurt for guests to help themselves and salad, if desired.