Description
Bright, spiced, and juicy lamb koftas finished with a silky yogurt sauce for a delightful balance, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 680 g (1.5 lb) Ground lamb (14–20% fat)
- 120 g (1 small) Yellow onion, finely grated and squeezed
- 25 g Fresh parsley, chopped
- 15 g Fresh mint, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 40 g (½ cup) Breadcrumbs, stale or panko
- 1 large Egg (50 g)
- 1½ tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 Lemon, zest and wedges
- 240 g (1 cup) Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Za’atar (optional)
- Pinch of salt for yogurt sauce
Instructions
- Prep the aromatics and herbs: Grate the onion and squeeze out excess liquid. Chop parsley and mint, and mince garlic.
- Combine meat and binders: Add ground lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, spices, squeezed onion, herbs, and salt to a bowl. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape the koftas: Divide mixture into 12 portions and mold into sausage shapes around skewers.
- Preheat pan or grill: Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high and brush koftas with olive oil.
- Cook the koftas: Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let koftas rest off heat and serve with yogurt sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
Salt early but in moderation. Common mistakes include overworking the mixture, which can lead to dense koftas. Mixing can be done up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 koftas
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 165mg