Description
These lamb koftas are packed with warm spices, fresh herbs, and a crisp char, providing a fast, flavorful weeknight meal with restaurant-style results.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g ground lamb (1.1 lb)
- 75 g onion, grated (½ cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 20 g fresh parsley, chopped (½ cup)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 15 ml)
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt (½ cup)
- Optional: ¼ tsp chili flakes, ⅛ tsp allspice
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics and herbs: Grate onion and squeeze out excess liquid. Combine aromatics in a bowl with lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix the meat and spices: Add ground lamb, aromatics, olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to a bowl. Mix gently for 30–45 seconds.
- Shape the koftas: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape into oblongs around skewers or small logs. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat the pan or grill: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat, adding oil to the pan.
- Cook the koftas: Sear on the hot surface for 3–4 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) is reached. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Make the yogurt dressing and serve: Whisk yogurt with lemon juice, salt, olive oil, and chili flakes. Serve over koftas with cucumbers and parsley.
Notes
For the best results, avoid overmixing and ensure to rest the koftas to maintain moisture. Serve with yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 small koftas
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg