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why make this recipe
Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing is a flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. The juicy lamb koftas are seasoned with aromatic spices, making each bite delicious. The creamy yoghurt dressing adds freshness and a cooling effect, which balances the spices perfectly. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings and easy to serve as a DIY spread, encouraging interaction and enjoyment.
how to make Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing
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 (this is a bit spicy, reduce to taste or leave out)
- 1 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 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 and pepper (each)
- 8 skewers (Note 1)
- 8 flatbreads (small)
- Shredded red cabbage, carrot and mint salad (Note 3)
- OR shredded lettuce, tomato and onion slices (Note 3)
Directions:
-
Yogurt Sauce: Combine the yogurt sauce ingredients and leave in the fridge for at least 20 minutes for the flavor to develop (overnight even better!).
-
Koftas: Grate the onion into the bowl using a standard box grater. Add remaining Kofta ingredients and mix well with your hands.
-
With damp hands, divide the meat into 8 equal pieces and push and shape the meat onto 8 skewers. Make them smooth (looks nicer, pictured!) or a bit nubbly (more surface area to brown!).
Cooking:
- Stove: Preheat 1/2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook in batches for about 5 minutes in total, turning to brown evenly all over.
- BBQ: BBQ on medium-high for about 6 minutes, rotating to brown all over.
- Broiler/oven grill: Preheat and cook koftas 30cm/10 inches from heat source for 12 minutes, rotating as needed until lightly browned (you won’t get as good a browning as stove/BBQ).
Serving:
- Do a DIY spread – pile everything onto a platter and let everyone serve themselves.
- Get a flatbread, smear with Yogurt Sauce, top with Red Cabbage Mint Salad (more options Note 3), then Kofta, drizzle over more Yoghurt Sauce. Devour and be happy!
how to store Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing
You can store leftover koftas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, place cooked koftas in the freezer, where they can last for about 2 months. Just make sure to defrost them in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing
- Make sure to mix the kofta ingredients well for an even flavor.
- Soaking the skewers in water for about 30 minutes before use will help prevent them from burning during cooking.
- For a better texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
variation (if any)
You can try using beef or chicken mince for a different flavor. Also, feel free to replace the spices with any of your favorite seasonings to customize the taste to your liking.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or chicken mince if you prefer. -
What can I serve with koftas?
They are great served with flatbreads, salads, or even in wraps with veggies. -
Can I make koftas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the kofta mixture and shape them ahead of time, then store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.
Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing
Ingredients
For the Koftas
- 1 lb lamb mince (ground lamb)
- 1/2 onion grated onion
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) Use panko for better texture
- 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
- 1 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the 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
For Serving
- 8 small flatbreads
- 1 serving Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad Optional alternatives: shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices
Instructions
Yoghurt Sauce Preparation
- Combine the ingredients for the yoghurt sauce and leave in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Overnight is even better.
Kofta Preparation
- Grate the onion into a bowl. Add the remaining Kofta ingredients and mix well with your hands.
- With damp hands, divide the meat mixture into 8 equal pieces and push and shape the meat onto the skewers.
Cooking
- For stove: Preheat 1/2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook in batches for about 5 minutes, turning to brown evenly.
- For BBQ: BBQ on medium-high for about 6 minutes, rotating to brown all over.
- For broiler/oven grill: Preheat and cook koftas 30cm/10 inches from heat source for 12 minutes, rotating as needed until lightly browned.
Serving
- Arrange a DIY spread on a platter where everyone can serve themselves. Start with a flatbread, smear with Yogurt Sauce, top with salad, kofta, and drizzle over more Yoghurt Sauce.