Description
These flavorful Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing combine aromatic Middle Eastern spices with tender ground lamb, served alongside a refreshing yoghurt sauce and fresh salads. Perfect for grilling, BBQs, or quick stovetop cooking, this recipe delivers an addictive taste that is ideal for gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Lamb 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 (reduce or omit if preferred)
- 1 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers
Yoghurt 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
To Serve
- 8 small flatbreads
- Shredded red cabbage, carrot and mint salad or shredded lettuce, tomato and onion slices
Instructions
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, prepare the sauce overnight.
- Make Kofta Mixture: Using a box grater, grate the onion into a large mixing bowl. Add the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, chopped coriander, cumin, coriander powder, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Koftas: With damp hands to prevent sticking, divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Mold each portion around a skewer, shaping into smooth or slightly textured sausage shapes to enhance browning and appearance.
- Cook Koftas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the koftas for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. Alternatively, grill over charcoal or BBQ if preferred.
- Serve: Warm the flatbreads, then serve the koftas on them with a side of yoghurt dressing and your choice of shredded salad such as red cabbage, carrot and mint or a mix of lettuce, tomato, and onion slices.
Notes
- RECIPE VIDEO ABOVE. The smell of Middle Eastern spices while this is cooking is totally intoxicating!
- Try this Lamb Kofta recipe once, and you’ll be addicted for life!
- Traditionally cooked over charcoal, brilliant on the BBQ, but great midweek on the stove.
- Perfect recipe for gatherings, DIY spreads, or make-ahead meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kofta with yoghurt dressing
- 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
