Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with our incredibly easy and satisfying Beef Kofta Bake. This isn’t just any kofta recipe; we’ve elevated the traditional concept by infusing it with smoky paprika and a touch of spicy jalapeño, all while simplifying the cooking process into a convenient, one-pan marvel. Forget the tedious skewering and grilling – our tender, perfectly seasoned beef kofta meatballs are nestled amongst a hearty bed of nutritious, colorful vegetables and baked to golden perfection. It’s a complete meal that bursts with savory spices, rich beef, and wholesome goodness, promising a memorable dinner that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to transform your weeknight routine with this utterly delicious and effortlessly prepared dish!
What is Beef Kofta Bake? Unpacking This Flavorful Dish
Kofta, a culinary staple across the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Balkans, refers to a diverse family of meatball or meatloaf dishes. Typically, kofta is crafted from ground meat – most commonly beef or lamb, or a blend of both – expertly mixed with an aromatic symphony of herbs and spices. The seasoned meat is then skillfully shaped into balls, patties, or elongated cylinders, traditionally prepared by grilling on skewers, pan-frying, or gently simmering in rich stews. Revered for its comforting depth of flavor and remarkable adaptability, kofta is frequently served alongside fluffy rice, warm bread, or cooling yogurt-based sauces, offering a truly authentic taste experience.
Our innovative Beef Kofta Bake recipe respectfully reinterprets this beloved classic for the demands of contemporary kitchens, delivering all the authentic taste with unparalleled convenience. We’ve transformed the traditional grilled kofta into a supremely hands-off, baked alternative, making it an ideal solution for bustling weeknights or relaxed weekend entertaining. Instead of the meticulous process of skewering, we effortlessly form the tender, spice-infused meat mixture into simple, succulent meatballs. These are then artfully arranged within a spacious baking dish, nestled among a vibrant tapestry of complementary vegetables, and baked together to perfection. This ingenious one-pan methodology ensures every ingredient is permeated with deep, complex flavors, while drastically simplifying cleanup. The outcome is a perfectly balanced, complete meal that is both extraordinarily delicious and remarkably straightforward to prepare – a testament to the beauty of delicious, uncomplicated cooking.
The Advantages of a Baked Kofta: Why This Method Shines
While the char of grilled kofta holds its own appeal, the baked approach offers a wealth of benefits, particularly for home cooks seeking efficiency without compromising on flavor. Baking ensures uniform cooking, consistently yielding kofta meatballs that are wonderfully tender and incredibly juicy. By sharing the same baking environment with a medley of vegetables, the flavors intermingle and deepen, creating a harmonious and profoundly satisfying dish where every bite is infused with the essence of its neighbors. Furthermore, the inherent one-pan design of this recipe minimizes active cooking time and drastically reduces the post-meal cleaning effort – a significant advantage in any busy household. It’s comfort food meticulously refined for the modern lifestyle, promising maximum taste and enjoyment with minimal culinary exertion.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Beef Kofta Bake
The secret to an exceptional Beef Kofta Bake lies in the careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the complex layers of flavor and satisfying textures that define this dish. Here’s an in-depth guide to the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary marvel:
- Zucchinis: These versatile green squash are a fantastic addition, lending a delicate sweetness and a wonderfully tender texture when roasted alongside the other components. They effortlessly absorb the rich, savory flavors of the bake, while providing a refreshing burst of green color and a healthy dose of essential vitamins and dietary fiber. Opt for firm, unblemished medium-sized zucchinis for the best culinary outcome.
- Medium Potatoes: To ensure this dish is truly hearty and deeply satisfying, potatoes are indispensable. Yukon Gold or Russet varieties are superb choices, transforming into delightfully tender and subtly creamy morsels after their time in the oven. Red potatoes offer a slightly firmer bite and a vibrant skin, enhancing the visual appeal. Ensure they are peeled and uniformly quartered to guarantee even cooking.
- Large Carrot: The humble carrot plays a crucial role, introducing a natural, earthy sweetness that beautifully harmonizes with the savory spices and subtle heat of the kofta. When roasted, carrots retain a pleasant, al dente crunch, providing an engaging textural contrast to the soft meatballs and tender potatoes. Select a firm, bright orange carrot for peak flavor and nutritional value.
- Large Red Onion: Red onions are fundamental for imparting a delightful savory depth to the kofta bake. The oven’s heat mellows their characteristic sharpness, coaxing out a rich, caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the ground beef and other vegetables. Their distinct purple rings also add a striking visual dimension to the finished dish.
- Garlic Cloves: A generous inclusion of fresh garlic is paramount for an aromatic foundation that will permeate your kitchen with an irresistible scent as the dish bakes. Garlic elevates the entire flavor profile of the kofta, providing a pungent, savory backbone that intricately weaves all the individual ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful tapestry. Freshly peeled cloves are always recommended for maximum impact.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, along with their flavorful juices, contribute a slightly tangy, rustic element that moisturizes the vegetables and enriches the entire culinary composition. Their bright acidity expertly cuts through the inherent richness of the beef, ensuring the dish remains vibrant and never feels overly heavy. Prioritize high-quality diced tomatoes for the most robust flavor.
- Salt: As the cornerstone of all seasoning, salt is vital for extracting and amplifying the inherent flavors of every ingredient. It’s crucial in achieving a well-balanced and palatable taste. In this recipe, precise division of salt is key: a portion for seasoning the vegetables initially, and the remainder carefully incorporated into the beef kofta mixture to ensure optimal flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nuanced warmth and a gentle, aromatic kick, perfectly complementing the other spices without ever dominating the palate. Similar to salt, it should be measured and divided to season both the vibrant vegetables and the savory meat mixture effectively, contributing to a harmonious spice balance.
- Smoked Paprika: This ingredient is truly where the magic unfolds! Smoked paprika is the transformative secret that imbues your kofta bake with an intensely rich, earthy, and utterly captivating smoky flavor. It adds profound depth and a beautiful, inviting reddish hue, making the dish both visually appealing and deeply flavorful. For that authentic, warming aroma and taste, this ingredient is absolutely non-negotiable.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil serves multiple purposes: it expertly coats the vegetables, facilitating even roasting and encouraging the development of a delicious, slightly caramelized exterior. Beyond its functional role, it also introduces a layer of heart-healthy fat and a subtle, peppery flavor that significantly enriches the overall profile of the dish.
- Ground Beef: The undisputed protagonist of our Kofta Bake! Premium ground beef forms the luscious core of our meatballs, ensuring the dish is wonderfully hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor. For the most succulent and flavorful kofta, we strongly recommend using 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat), as its balanced fat content is instrumental in keeping the meatballs exquisitely tender and moist during the baking process.
- Chopped Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley injects a bright, verdant herbaceousness and a vibrant green visual appeal into the kofta meatballs. Its clean, slightly peppery flavor provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the beef and the warmth of the spices, expertly elevating the overall taste and freshness of the dish.
- Chopped Cilantro: Cilantro introduces an additional dimension of fresh, bright, and subtly citrusy flavor, a hallmark of many authentic Middle Eastern and Indian culinary traditions. It contributes an unmistakable zest that renders the kofta irresistibly aromatic and complex. For those with a preference against cilantro, please refer to our “Ways to Customize” section for suitable alternatives.
- Jalapeño: For discerning palates that appreciate a whisper of heat, a seeded and finely minced jalapeño provides just the right amount of gentle warmth, carefully calibrated not to overwhelm the delicate balance of other flavors. It adds a subtle zing that makes the dish more dynamic and exciting. For an amplified spicy kick, you may choose to retain some of the seeds or add an extra pepper.
- Large Egg: The large egg serves as a vital binding agent, meticulously ensuring that your kofta meatballs retain their perfect shape and integrity throughout the entire baking process. It significantly contributes to the tender texture of the meatballs, preventing them from crumbling and guaranteeing a pleasant mouthfeel.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are indispensable for achieving that coveted tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency within your kofta meatballs. They skillfully absorb any excess moisture from the ground beef and other ingredients, effectively preventing the meatballs from becoming overly dense or rubbery, thus ensuring a light yet substantial texture.
Effortless Steps to Whip Up This Easy Beef Kofta Bake
Creating this flavorful one-pan Beef Kofta Bake is remarkably straightforward, meticulously designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to effortlessly bring this delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal to your family’s table:
- Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s perfectly heated and ready for baking. Select a large, robust baking dish – ideally one measuring approximately 9×13 inches – to comfortably accommodate all the savory ingredients and ensure even cooking.
- Season and Toss the Veggies: In your chosen large baking dish, meticulously combine the uniformly sliced zucchinis, quartered potatoes, sliced carrots, quartered red onion, and whole garlic cloves. Add the entire can of diced tomatoes (including their flavorful juices), a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil, the fragrant smoked paprika, and half of the pre-measured salt and pepper. Using thoroughly clean hands or a large, sturdy spoon, gently but thoroughly toss all the vegetables until each piece is beautifully and evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Ensure every vegetable glistens with its flavorful coating.
- Prepare the Beef Kofta Mixture: In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, place the fresh ground beef. To this, add the vibrant chopped parsley, aromatic chopped cilantro, the finely minced and seeded jalapeño (adjusting quantity to your preferred spice level), the remaining half of the salt and pepper, the large egg (acting as a binder), and the breadcrumbs. Utilizing your clean hands – often the most effective tool for this task – or a reliable wooden spoon, gently yet thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Mix just until everything is well incorporated; it’s crucial to avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher, less tender meatballs.
- Form and Arrange the Kofta Meatballs: Once your beef mixture is perfectly prepared, begin shaping it into uniform meatballs, aiming for a consistent size of roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Maintaining uniform sizing is paramount for ensuring all meatballs cook evenly. Carefully arrange these uncooked kofta meatballs directly on top of the seasoned vegetable medley within your baking dish, distributing them as evenly as possible to allow for optimal cooking and flavor exchange.
- Bake to Culinary Perfection: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This crucial step helps to create a steamy, moist environment within the dish, which not only tenderizes the vegetables beautifully but also ensures the kofta meatballs remain wonderfully juicy and succulent throughout the cooking process. Carefully place the covered dish into your preheated oven and allow it to bake for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Verify Doneness: After the designated baking time, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Gently test the vegetables with a fork; they should be tender and easily pierced. Confirm that the beef kofta meatballs are thoroughly cooked through, displaying no pink in their center. If, upon inspection, the vegetables require further tenderizing or you desire a slightly more caramelized finish on your meatballs, you may continue baking the dish uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow the Beef Kofta Bake to rest undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This essential resting period permits the internal juices within the meat to redistribute evenly, resulting in kofta meatballs that are even more tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. Serve hot and savor every delicious spoonful of this exceptional one-pan meal!
Chef’s Secrets: Pro Tips for a Flawless Kofta Bake
- Avoid Overmixing the Meat: When combining the kofta ingredients, exercise restraint. Mix just until all components are barely incorporated. Excessive mixing can lead to a dense, compacted texture, resulting in meatballs that are unpleasantly tough and rubbery.
- Consistency in Meatball Size: Strive to form all your kofta meatballs into roughly the same size. This meticulous step ensures a uniform cooking rate across the entire dish, preventing some meatballs from becoming overcooked and dry while others remain underdone.
- The Power of the Cover: Baking the dish primarily covered with aluminum foil creates a miniature steamy oven environment. This trapped moisture is instrumental in helping the vegetables achieve perfect tenderness and, crucially, keeps the kofta meatballs exceptionally moist and succulent. For a lightly browned, more caramelized finish on your vegetables, you can remove the foil during the final 10-15 minutes of baking.
- The Essential Rest: Just like any expertly cooked cut of meat, allowing the kofta to rest for a few minutes after it emerges from the oven is a vital step. This brief pause permits the internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meatballs, culminating in a more tender, juicy, and intensely flavorful dining experience.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Beef Kofta Bake
One of the true joys of home cooking lies in the freedom to adapt recipes to your unique preferences and whatever ingredients you have readily available. This Beef Kofta Bake is exceptionally versatile, offering a myriad of delightful variations to explore:
- Dynamic Vegetable Swaps: Elevate your vegetable medley by introducing or substituting other quick-cooking options. Consider vibrant yellow squash, a rainbow of bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), or even tender broccoli florets for added texture and nutrients. For a delightful alternative to traditional potatoes, sweet potatoes can be a fantastic choice, imparting a different kind of natural sweetness and an extra boost of vitamins.
- Exploring Tomato Tastes: While canned diced tomatoes provide a convenient and robust flavor base, feel free to experiment with fresh alternatives. Small grape or cherry tomatoes burst with juicy flavor when roasted, adding a delightful freshness and vibrant pop. Alternatively, a can of crushed tomatoes can yield a smoother, richer, and more deeply integrated sauce base for your bake.
- Herbaceous Alternatives: If cilantro isn’t quite to your taste, there are plenty of aromatic substitutes. You can simply increase the quantity of fresh parsley, or venture into Mediterranean territory with fresh mint, dried oregano, or even a sprinkle of fragrant za’atar blend for a distinct aromatic profile. Thai basil also offers an intriguing and unique flavor dimension for an adventurous palate.
- Tailoring the Heat Level: For those who yearn for a more pronounced spicy kick, do not hesitate to increase the quantity of jalapeños. To truly ignite the flavors, consider including some of the jalapeño seeds. Alternatively, you can introduce a pinch of fiery cayenne pepper powder, a generous sprinkle of red chili flakes, or even stir a dollop of piquant harissa paste directly into the kofta mixture. Conversely, for a milder dish, the jalapeño can be entirely omitted.
- Indulgent Cheese Topping: For an utterly decadent twist, consider scattering some crumbled feta cheese or a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the top of the bake during the final 10-15 minutes of cooking. The melted, bubbling cheese will create a rich, gooey, and irresistibly delicious layer that elevates the entire dish.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Beef Kofta Bake
This One-Pan Beef Kofta Bake is a triumph of a meal in itself, robustly packed with protein, wholesome vegetables, and rich flavors. However, if you’re looking to elevate your dining experience or simply add complementary textures and tastes, here are some excellent serving suggestions:
- Fluffy Rice: A simple, elegantly prepared bed of fluffy basmati or jasmine rice is the quintessential accompaniment. Its delicate grains are perfect for soaking up all the savory juices and rich flavors emanating from the kofta and tender roasted vegetables.
- Pita Bread or Naan: Warm, soft pita bread or pillowy naan is a fantastic choice for a more interactive and satisfying meal. These flatbreads are ideal for scooping up the juicy kofta meatballs and the flavorful vegetable medley, turning each bite into a delightful experience.
- Light Couscous: For a lighter grain alternative, consider serving your kofta bake alongside a quick-cooking couscous. Enhance its freshness by mixing in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a scattering of finely chopped fresh herbs like mint or parsley.
- Cooling Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of plain, creamy Greek yogurt or a homemade tzatziki sauce (a refreshing blend of grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and yogurt) makes a superb accompaniment. Its cool, tangy profile provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory notes of the kofta bake.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, vibrant green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or a traditional Shirazi salad (finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, tossed with lemon juice and fresh mint), offers a refreshing and cleansing side that balances the richness of the main dish.
- Creamy Hummus: A side dish of smooth, creamy hummus is always a welcome addition to any Middle Eastern-inspired meal. It’s perfect for dipping both the kofta and any accompanying bread, adding an extra layer of savory depth.
Storing Leftovers & Meal Prep Made Easy
Among the many appealing attributes of this delectable Beef Kofta Bake, its exceptional ability to store well stands out. This quality makes it an outstanding candidate for proactive meal prep, guaranteeing you access to delicious, wholesome meals throughout the week with minimal effort! For ultimate convenience, you can even store the entire bake directly in its original baking dish, which dramatically reduces cleanup – simply cover it tightly with aluminum foil or a well-fitting lid.
For short-term storage, carefully place the covered kofta bake into the refrigerator. It will maintain its freshness and delightful flavor for a period of 3-4 days. To gently reheat, individual portions can be quickly warmed in the microwave for a swift meal, or the entire dish (covered again with foil to preserve moisture) can be returned to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is thoroughly heated through, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first.
Should you wish to plan further ahead, this robust dish excels in the freezer. Transfer the cooled, cooked meat and vegetables into an airtight, freezer-safe container or a durable, resealable plastic bag. When properly stored, it can be kept in the freezer for an impressive duration of up to 3 months. For the best reheating outcome, allow it to thaw gradually overnight in the refrigerator before warming as described above. Alternatively, for those moments when time is of the essence, you can directly heat the bake from its frozen state in the oven, simply extending the baking time as needed until it is piping hot and ready to enjoy.
Common Questions About Your Beef Kofta Bake
For achieving the most succulent, tender, and intensely flavorful kofta meatballs, we wholeheartedly recommend opting for 80/20 ground beef (composed of 80% lean meat and 20% fat). The presence of this fat content is absolutely critical for retaining moisture within the meatballs, preventing them from drying out and becoming tough during the baking process. While leaner beef can certainly be utilized, you might find the resulting kofta to be slightly less tender; if using a leaner cut, consider incorporating an additional tablespoon of olive oil into the mixture to help maintain moisture and richness.
Indeed! This recipe is remarkably flexible and can be adapted to various meat preferences. Ground lamb is an outstanding and traditional alternative, lending a richer, more profound and robust flavor profile to the kofta. A judicious blend of ground beef and lamb also works beautifully, offering a nuanced and balanced taste. For those seeking a lighter meal, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted; however, due to their inherently leaner nature, you might wish to add a little extra olive oil or some finely grated onion to the mixture to ensure the meatballs remain moist and flavorful.
Traditional grilled kofta is characteristically shaped onto skewers and then cooked over an open flame or on a grill, which bestows a distinctive smoky char and a specific texture. Our baked rendition, however, fundamentally streamlines this entire process. Instead of delicate skewering, the kofta mixture is effortlessly formed into meatballs and baked in a single dish alongside a generous assortment of vegetables. This makes it a significantly more hands-off, convenient, and less labor-intensive meal, requiring minimal active attention, drastically reducing cleanup, and consistently delivering a wonderfully tender texture, with the added practical benefit of cooking your accompanying side dishes simultaneously.
The inherent spice level of this particular Beef Kofta Bake, as presented in the recipe, is generally characterized by warm spices, most notably the smoky paprika, and a subtle, gentle hint of heat contributed by the seeded jalapeño. It is meticulously crafted to be richly flavorful rather than overtly fiery. For individuals who prefer a more pronounced level of heat, customization is simple: you can easily incorporate additional jalapeño (including some of the seeds for an extra kick), a small pinch of cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or a spoonful of piquant harissa paste directly into the kofta mixture. Conversely, for those who favor a completely mild flavor profile, the jalapeño can be entirely omitted without detracting from the dish’s overall deliciousness.
Explore More Delicious Beef Recipes
If you’ve thoroughly savored the rich, savory flavors of this Beef Kofta Bake and are keen to further expand your culinary repertoire with more hearty and satisfying beef dishes, you’ve come to the right place! We offer a fantastic and diverse collection of easy-to-prepare beef recipes that are ideally suited for any occasion, from comforting, slow-cooked stews to quick, vibrant stir-fries. There’s undoubtedly something to delight every beef enthusiast. Dive in and discover more of our delightful beef recipes listed below:
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Middle Eastern Crockpot Beef Stew
- Beef Rolls
- Beef and Snow Peas Stir Fry
- Easy Baked Beef Stew
- Hummus with Ground Beef
Hearty Beef Kofta Bake Recipe
★★★½☆
Food Dolls
6 servings
10 mins
1 hr 10 mins
1 hr 20 mins
Pin
Ingredients
- For the Vegetables:
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 large red onion, quartered
- 10 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole or roughly chopped
- 1 can (16 ounces / 400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for vegetables)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (for vegetables)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- For the Beef Kofta:
- 1 pound (approx. 450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for beef)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (for beef)
Instructions
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1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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2. Prepare Vegetables: In a large baking dish (approx. 9×13 inches), combine the sliced zucchinis, quartered potatoes, sliced carrot, quartered red onion, and garlic cloves. Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), olive oil, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
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3. Mix Kofta: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, seeded jalapeño, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, the large egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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4. Form & Arrange: Form the beef mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place these meatballs on top of the seasoned vegetable mixture in the baking dish, ensuring they are distributed evenly.
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5. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the beef kofta is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
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6. Rest & Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become even juicier. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!
Equipment
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 377kcal |
Carbohydrates: 23g |
Protein: 22g |
Fat: 22g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 204mg |
Sodium: 549mg |
Potassium: 847mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 2414IU |
Vitamin C: 35mg |
Calcium: 86mg |
Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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