Lamb kofta
Lamb kofta is a spiced Middle Eastern dish made from minced lamb mixed with herbs and spices, often served with a cooling yogurt sauce. It's suitable for grilling or pan-frying and makes for a hearty family meal or an impressive dinner party dish.
Cook time 7 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 onion1 lb lamb mince
1/2 bunch fresh parsley
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried coriander
1 egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup greek yogurt
1 tsp ground cumin
Lamb kofta is a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern dish comprised of minced lamb mixed with a variety of herbs and spices. This deliciously spiced meat can be grilled or baked and is often served with a cooling yogurt sauce. It's perfect for a family meal or a dinner party, offering a unique twist to your regular menu.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion and parsley.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb mince, chopped onion, chopped parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, dried coriander, egg, bread crumbs, and minced garlic.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. You may use your hands to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small, elongated patties or meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. This should make approximately 12-15 koftas, depending on the size you prefer.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the koftas to the skillet.
- Cook the koftas for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with 1 tsp ground cumin. Mix well until the cumin is fully incorporated into the yogurt.
- Arrange the cooked koftas on a serving plate.
- Serve with the cumin yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the koftas.
Tips:
- For an added burst of flavor, you can grill the koftas instead of pan-frying them.
- Serve with pita bread, fresh salad, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a full meal.
- You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to the kofta mixture according to your taste preference.
Lamb kofta is a wonderful dish that brings together the rich flavors of lamb meat with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs. This recipe not only produces juicy and tender koftas but also pairs perfectly with a refreshing yogurt sauce. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Lamb kofta FAQ:
Lamb kofta can be cooked by either pan-frying or grilling. For a grilled option, skewer the koftas and grill over medium heat for a smoky flavor. Pan-frying in a skillet with olive oil gives them a nice brown crust.
Cook lamb kofta for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The total cooking time should be around 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the koftas.
You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, rolled oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option. Adjust the moisture in the mixture accordingly.
Store leftover lamb kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Lamb kofta pairs well with pita bread, a fresh salad, and creamy yogurt sauce. You can also serve it with rice or couscous for a more substantial meal.
Tips:
- Make sure to finely chop the onion and parsley to ensure they are well-distributed throughout the meat mixture.
- For extra moisture and flavor, you can also add a few tablespoons of milk to the lamb mixture before forming the koftas.
- If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, increase the amount of fresh parsley or add other fresh herbs like mint or cilantro.
- To prevent the koftas from sticking to the grill or baking sheet, lightly oil the surface before placing the meat.
- If grilling, pre-soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- For an even cooking, make sure to form the koftas into uniform sizes.
- Pair the lamb kofta with a simple salad or pita bread and enjoy it with the Greek yogurt sauce for a complete meal.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 450kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 15g
Fiber 1.64g
Sugar 4.33g
Fat 36g
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