Beef and Rice Kebabs

beef kebab, beef and rice kebab

2014 Kids Recipe Challenge winning recipe: 1st Place!

Gerda in Toronto, says, “Kids will enjoy this recipe because it is fun to do and the steps are easy to follow”.

Making kebabs doesn’t take much time and it’s easy to get the kids involved by having them mix the ingredients and shape the kebabs. Pack them warm in a thermos and prepare the pita at school for a fun put together lunch!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Makes: 12 kebabs

Serving Size: 2 kebabs

Tips

Try using tzatziki sauce instead of plain yogurt for bigger flavour.
You can bake the kebabs and then keep them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Then thaw and warm them up to serve them for lunch.

Ingredients
Egg	1
Chimichurri sauce	2 tbsp (30 mL)
Small onion, grated	1
Cloves garlic, minced	2
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley	2 tbsp (30 mL)
Salt and pepper	1/4 tsp (1 mL) each
Extra lean ground beef	1 pkg (454 g)
Cooked and cooled brown rice	1/2 cup (125 mL)
Whole wheat pita breads, cut in half	3
Plain yogurt	1/2 cup (125 mL)
Shredded lettuce	1 cup (250 mL)
Shredded marble cheese	1/3 cup (75 mL)

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together egg, chimichurri sauce, onion, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper. Stir in beef and rice. With your hands mix together until ingredients are spread evenly throughout.
Divide mixture into 12 balls and shape into 3 inch (7.5 cm) logs.
Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until no longer pink inside. Let cool slightly.
Open pita halves and spread with yogurt.
Add some lettuce to each and place two kebabs into each pita.
Sprinkle with cheese to serve.