Bzar-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Date Glaze

There’s something deeply comforting about gathering around the table and enjoying a meal that evokes memories of faraway places—especially when it’s infused with rich, warm spices and traditions passed down through generations.

Today, we’re diving into the aromatic world of the Arabian Gulf with a recipe that celebrates the soul of Emirati cuisine: Bzar-Spiced Lamb Kofta with a luscious Date Glaze.

Inspired by the authentic RoboFood Bzar Seasoning, this dish marries earthy spices with tender ground lamb and the natural sweetness of dates, offering a stunning balance of flavor that’s perfect for weekend dinners, festive gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something truly special.

The Story Behind the Spice: What Is Bzar?

Bzar (also spelled “Bazaar” in some regions) is a traditional spice blend deeply rooted in Emirati and Gulf cuisine.

Unlike the more widely known Baharat, Bzar has a distinct composition that emphasizes warmth, fragrance, and subtle sweetness.

The RoboFood Bzar Seasoning includes a beautiful blend of ground coriander, cumin, black pepper, turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role:

• Coriander: Bright and citrusy, it lifts the blend and cuts through richness.
• Cumin: Earthy and slightly nutty, it forms the backbone of the flavor profile.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
• Turmeric: Contributes color and a mild bitterness that enhances complexity.
• Cardamom: Sweet and floral, it brings a perfumed aroma that’s uniquely Gulf.
• Cinnamon: Warm and slightly sweet, it rounds out the blend and ties everything together.

When used in meat dishes like kofta, Bzar transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary—offering a taste of Emirati heritage with every bite.

Why This Kofta Recipe Works

Kofta—minced meat formed into logs or balls and grilled, baked, or pan-fried—is a staple across the Middle East.

But this version isn’t just another kofta recipe.

By incorporating RoboFood’s Bzar Seasoning, we tap into an underappreciated regional twist that’s both authentic and approachable for home cooks.

What sets this dish apart is its dual-layered flavor experience.

The kofta gets its bold, savory depth from the Bzar and other aromatic additions like onion, fresh parsley, and a hint of garlic.

Then, just before serving, we brush them with a silky date glaze that caramelizes slightly on the grill—adding a subtle sweetness that complements the spices without overpowering them.

Dates are a cornerstone of Gulf food culture, grown abundantly in the region and often used to add natural sweetness to both savory and sweet dishes.

The date glaze here isn’t just a drizzle—it’s a bridge between ancient tradition and modern flavor pairing.

Ingredients Deep Dive

Let’s talk about the key components that make this recipe sing:

Ground Lamb

We recommend using ground lamb with a fat content of around 15–20%.

The fat renders during grilling, keeping the kofta juicy and flavorful.

If you can’t find lamb, a mix of ground beef and veal can work, though it won’t have the same distinctive richness.

RoboFood Bzar Seasoning

This is the star of the show.

The pre-mixed blend saves time and ensures consistency, but if you’re making it from scratch, use 1 tablespoon coriander, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp each of black pepper and turmeric, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, and a pinch of cinnamon.

The RoboFood version, however, is balanced by experts and perfectly calibrated for authenticity.

Fresh Herbs and Aromatics

Finely chopped onion and garlic provide moisture and pungency, while fresh parsley adds brightness.

Don’t skip the parsley—it balances the heaviness of the lamb and the warmth of the spices.

Medjool Dates

For the glaze, Medjool dates are ideal.

They’re soft, sticky, and naturally sweet, with a caramel-like flavor that melts beautifully into a syrup when blended.

You’ll need about six pitted dates for a smooth, luxurious glaze.

Step-by-Step: Making Bzar-Spiced Lamb Kofta

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the process is simple and rewarding.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the kofta mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb (450g) of ground lamb, 1/4 cup finely grated onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon RoboFood Bzar Seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the kofta tough.
2. Form the kofta: Divide the mixture into 8–10 portions. Roll each into a sausage shape about 4–5 inches long. Press gently around the middle to slightly narrow them, giving them that classic kofta silhouette. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.
3. Chill (optional but recommended): Place the shaped kofta on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during grilling.
4. Make the date glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 6 pitted Medjool dates, 1/2 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until the dates are very soft. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Strain if desired for a silkier texture. Set aside.
5. Grill the kofta: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Thread each kofta onto a skewer. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, turning gently, until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
6. Glaze and finish: Brush each kofta generously with the date glaze during the last minute of grilling. The heat will help caramelize the sugars, creating a sticky, glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

These koftas are incredibly versatile.

Here are a few ways to serve them:

• With saffron rice: Cook basmati rice with a pinch of saffron, a cinnamon stick, and a cardamom pod for a fragrant bed that complements the Bzar spices.
• In pita or flatbread: Serve with warm Arabic bread, lettuce, tomato, and a yogurt-tahini sauce for a handheld meal.
• On a mezze platter: Pair with hummus, tabbouleh, pickled vegetables, and labneh for a festive spread.
• With grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant grilled alongside the kofta make a complete, colorful meal.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Kofta

To ensure your kofta turns out flawlessly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overwork the meat: Mix just until combined. Overmixing develops proteins that can make the kofta dense.
• Use cold hands: Chilling your hands or wearing disposable gloves helps prevent the fat in the lamb from melting as you shape the kofta.
• Don’t skip the chill step: Letting the formed kofta rest in the fridge firms them up and reduces crumbling on the grill.
• Adjust spice level: If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a finely chopped fresh chili to the mixture.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the kofta mixture and shape the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

Why RoboFood Bzar Seasoning Is a Game-Changer

While you can make your own Bzar blend, using RoboFood’s version guarantees consistency, freshness, and authenticity.

The spices are expertly balanced and ground to preserve maximum flavor.

Plus, it saves time—no measuring or guesswork required.

A single jar can elevate countless dishes, from rice pilafs to roasted vegetables to lentil soups.

The beauty of blends like Bzar is that they open a gateway to cultural cooking without requiring a pantry full of obscure ingredients.

One sprinkle and your kitchen is instantly transported to the heart of the UAE.

Nutritional Notes

This dish is rich in protein and flavor but can be adapted for various diets:

• For a lower-fat option, use lean ground lamb or substitute with ground chicken or turkey (though the flavor will be milder).
• The date glaze is naturally sweet and free from refined sugars—just be mindful of portion size if managing sugar intake.
• Gluten-free and dairy-free by default, this recipe fits many dietary needs.

Closing Thoughts: Food as Connection

Cooking with spice blends like Bzar isn’t just about flavor—it’s about connection.

It’s about bringing the warmth of Gulf hospitality to your home, sharing stories through food, and honoring traditions that have simmered for generations.

This Bzar-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Date Glaze isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

So the next time you’re looking to impress your family or simply treat yourself to something new, reach for that bottle of RoboFood Bzar Seasoning and create something unforgettable.

Serve it with pride, eat it with joy, and maybe—even if just for a moment—let the aromas transport you to a sun-drenched courtyard in Abu Dhabi, where flavors are bold, and every bite tells a story.