Lamb kofta with lemon yoghurt
Lamb kofta is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from seasoned lamb mince, grilled to perfection and served with a zesty lemon yogurt sauce. Enhanced by roasted garlic and fresh coriander, it delivers a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
Cook time 8 min
Prep time 50 min
Ingredients:
2 garlic cloves3/4 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup coriander leaves
1 tbsp lemon juice
1.50 lb lamb mince
1 cup scallions
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried coriander
1 short spray cooking spray oil
Lamb kofta is a flavorful and traditional Middle Eastern dish that's perfect for any occasion. Combining succulent lamb mince with aromatic spices, and paired with a refreshing lemon yoghurt sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. The addition of roasted garlic enhances the depth of flavors, creating a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil, then wrap the foil around the cloves to make a sealed packet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant.
- While the garlic is roasting, in a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt, chopped coriander leaves, and lemon juice. Once the garlic is done roasting, let it cool slightly, then squeeze the softened garlic out of the skins and mix it into the yoghurt sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and place in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
- In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, finely chopped scallions, ground cumin, and dried coriander. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- With clean hands, mix the ingredients until well combined. Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties or sausage shapes, about the size of your palm. Insert a skewer through each kofta for easier handling if desired.
- Heat a grill pan or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray oil. Cook the kofta in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Serve the lamb kofta hot, accompanied by the roast garlic and lemon yoghurt sauce. Garnish with additional coriander leaves if desired.
This lamb kofta with roast garlic and lemon yoghurt is a delightful dish that seamlessly combines savory and tangy flavors. The succulent lamb with the aromatic spices and the refreshing lemon yoghurt sauce will surely impress your family and guests. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of the Middle East to your home.
Lamb kofta with lemon yoghurt FAQ:
Cook the lamb kofta for about 4-5 minutes on each side in a grill pan or skillet. They should be browned and cooked through, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes in total.
Lamb kofta should have an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is cooked through. Alternatively, the meat should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
Yes, you can substitute lamb mince with beef or chicken mince if preferred. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
Store any leftover lamb kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet or oven until heated through.
If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Adjust the lemon juice and seasoning to taste, as some alternatives may have different flavor profiles.
Cooking Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the lamb mince with spices overnight.
- To ensure even cooking, make sure the kofta are of uniform size and shape.
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the kofta in a pan or bake them in the oven.
- Serve the lamb kofta with a side of pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 540kcal
Protein 33g
Carbohydrates 4.78g
Fiber 0.62g
Sugar 2.71g
Fat 44g
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