Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing Recipe

Introduction

Lamb koftas are flavorful, spiced ground lamb skewers perfect for a delicious and easy meal. Paired with a cooling yogurt dressing and fresh salad, they make a delightful dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 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 (adjust or omit for less heat)
• 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup yogurt (Greek or other thick plain yogurt)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper
• 8 skewers
• 8 small flatbreads
• Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad (or shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices as an alternative)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the yogurt sauce by combining yogurt, olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop, or overnight for best results.
2. Step 2: Grate the onion into a large mixing bowl. Add lamb mince, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, chopped coriander, cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands.
3. Step 3: With damp hands, divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion onto a skewer, smoothing the surface or leaving it slightly textured to create more browning.
4. Step 4: Cook the koftas using your preferred method:
   1. Stove: Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook koftas in batches for a total of 5 minutes, turning regularly to brown evenly.
   2. BBQ: Grill koftas on medium-high heat for about 6 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
   3. Broiler/Oven Grill: Preheat the broiler and cook the koftas about 10 inches (30 cm) from the heat source for 12 minutes, turning as needed until lightly browned. Note that browning won’t be as pronounced as stove or BBQ methods.
5. Step 5: To serve, set up a DIY platter with flatbreads, yogurt sauce, salad, and koftas. Spread yogurt sauce on a flatbread, top with salad, add a kofta, and drizzle more yogurt sauce. Enjoy the delicious combination!

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Use pomegranate molasses in the yogurt sauce for a sweet-tart twist.
• Try different salads like cucumber and mint or a simple tomato and onion mix to complement the koftas.
• Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before cooking prevents them from burning.

Storage

Store any leftover koftas and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat koftas gently in a skillet or oven to maintain moisture. Yogurt sauce is best served cold and should not be reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these koftas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture and shape them onto skewers a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, though panko adds extra lightness and crunch.

Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 35 minutes including marination of yogurt sauce
• Yield: 8 skewers / servings 1x

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Description

Deliciously spiced lamb koftas served with a refreshing yogurt dressing and vibrant salads, perfect for a flavorful and interactive meal experience with flatbreads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Kofta Mixture

• 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 (adjust to taste or omit if sensitive to spice)
• 1 tsp cooking / kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Yogurt Dressing

• 1 cup Greek yogurt or other thick plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional

• 8 skewers
• 8 small flatbreads
• Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad or shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices

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Instructions

1. 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 to develop flavors, ideally overnight.
2. Make Kofta Mixture: Grate the onion into a large bowl. Add ground lamb, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, fresh coriander, cumin, coriander powder, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until evenly combined.
3. Shape Koftas: With damp hands, divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Mold each portion smoothly or with a textured surface onto the skewers, ensuring they are compact and evenly shaped for even cooking.
4. Cook Koftas: Choose your preferred cooking method:
   1. Stovetop: Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook koftas in batches, turning regularly, for a total of about 5 minutes until evenly browned.
   2. BBQ: Grill koftas on medium-high heat, turning frequently to brown all sides, for approximately 6 minutes.
   3. Broiler/Oven Grill: Preheat the broiler and place koftas about 30cm (10″) from the heat source. Cook for around 12 minutes, rotating as needed to achieve a light browning.
5. Serve: Arrange flatbreads, yogurt dressing, salads, and koftas on a platter for a DIY serving style. To enjoy, smear flatbread with yogurt sauce, add salad, place a kofta on top, drizzle with more yogurt, then fold or wrap and savor your delicious creation.

Notes

• Note 1: Use skewers suitable for grilling or stovetop cooking; soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
• Note 2: Adjust cayenne pepper to reduce spiciness as preferred or omit for a milder flavor.
• Note 3: Salad can be customized with shredded red cabbage, carrot, and fresh mint or a combination of shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices for freshness and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-12 minutes depending on cooking method
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: lamb kofta, grilled kofta, yogurt dressing, Middle Eastern lamb, lamb skewers, spiced lamb, flatbread meal, healthy lamb recipe