Description
This Lamb Koftas recipe features juicy, spiced ground lamb formed onto skewers and served with a refreshing yogurt dressing. The Middle Eastern-inspired spices create an intoxicating aroma and robust flavor, perfect for quick stovetop cooking or grilling. Accompanied by crisp salad and warm flatbreads, these koftas make a delicious and satisfying meal for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Koftas
- 1 lb / 500 g lamb mince (ground lamb)
- 1/2 onion, grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers
- 8 small flatbreads
Yogurt Dressing
- 1 cup yogurt (Greek or other thick plain)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Salad (optional)
- Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad OR shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices
Instructions
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce: Combine the yogurt, olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Make Kofta Mixture: Grate the onion using a box grater directly into a large mixing bowl. Add the lamb mince, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, chopped coriander, cumin, coriander powder, paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Shape Koftas on Skewers: With damp hands to prevent sticking, divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Firmly shape each portion around a skewer, smoothing the surface for a neat appearance or leaving a slightly textured surface to maximize browning during cooking.
- Cook Koftas: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas for about 7-8 minutes each side, turning carefully to ensure even browning and cooked through. The lamb should be juicy inside and have a nicely browned exterior.
- Serve: Warm the flatbreads briefly. Serve the koftas on or alongside the flatbreads with the chilled yogurt dressing and your choice of shredded cabbage-carrot-mint salad or lettuce-tomato-onion slices for a fresh contrast.
Notes
- Traditionally, koftas are cooked over charcoal or on a BBQ for a smoky flavor; this recipe works excellently cooked on the stovetop midweek.
- Use damp hands when shaping the koftas to prevent sticking and to mold them smoothly or with a textured surface.
- The yogurt sauce can be prepared ahead and kept refrigerated overnight to deepen its flavor.
- Serve with various fresh salads and flatbreads for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
- Spice level can be adjusted by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper.
- This recipe is great for gatherings, DIY spreads, and make-ahead meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with yogurt dressing and salad
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 739 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
