Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce

Spiced lamb meatballs served with garlic yogurt and pita.

Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce:

Lamb kofta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with spiced ground lamb, shaped into skewers or patties, and grilled to perfection. Served with a refreshing yogurt sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious gathering platter. Pair it with warm pita, rice, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:

1- For the Lamb Kofta:

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling or pan-searing)

2- For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional)

3- For Serving:

• Warm pita bread or flatbread
• Sliced cucumbers & tomatoes
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture:

• In a bowl, mix ground lamb with grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, and spices.
• Combine well and form into small oval-shaped patties or meatballs.
• Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

2. Cook the Kofta:

• Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high and brush with oil. Grill kofta for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
• Pan-Seared Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook kofta for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.

3. Make the Yogurt Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill or mint.
• Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Assemble & Serve:

• Serve the kofta with warm pita, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a generous dollop of yogurt sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges.

Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping into that creamy yogurt sauce!

Tips for Perfect Lamb Kofta

• Use Fresh Herbs & Spices – Ground cumin, coriander, paprika, and fresh parsley or mint enhance the flavor of the kofta.
• Keep the Mixture Cold – Chilling the seasoned lamb mixture for at least 30 minutes helps it hold its shape better on skewers.
• Shape & Skewer Correctly – Wet your hands with a little water or oil before shaping the kofta to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning.
• Grill or Pan-Fry – Grill over medium-high heat or pan-fry in a hot cast-iron skillet for a crispy, charred crust while keeping the inside juicy.
• Make the Yogurt Sauce Ahead – A mix of Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cucumber, and fresh herbs makes a cooling contrast to the spiced lamb. Let it chill for deeper flavors.

Enjoy your meal!