Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. You can learn more about our editorial policies here.
Why You’ll Love This Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing
You’ll adore this Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing recipe because it’s packed with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for a customizable, fun meal. The succulent, spiced lamb paired with a cooling, tangy yoghurt sauce creates a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. It’s a fantastic way to bring exotic tastes to your dinner table with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Yogurt Sauce: Combine the yogurt sauce ingredients and leave in fridge for at least 20 minutes for the flavor to develop (overnight even better!).
Step 2
Koftas: Grate the onion into the bowl using a standard box grater. Add the remaining Kofta ingredients and mix well with your hands.
Step 3
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!).
Step 4
Cooking: Stove: Preheat 1/2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook in batches for 5 minutes in total, turning to brown evenly all over.
Step 5
BBQ: BBQ on medium high for about 6 minutes, rotating to brown all over.
Step 6
Broiler/oven grill: preheat and cook koftas 30cm/10″ from the heat source for 12 minutes, rotating as needed until lightly browned (you won’t get as good a browning as stove/BBQ).
Step 7
Serving: Do a DIY spread – pile everything onto a platter a make everyone serve themselves.
Step 8
Get a flatbread, smear with Yogurt Sauce, top with Red Cabbage Mint Salad (more options Note 3), then Kofta, drizzle over more Yogurt Sauce. Devour and be happy!
🥘 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 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
- 8 flatbreads (small) or 4 large, warmed
- Shredded Red Cabbage, Carrot and Mint Salad
- OR shredded lettuce, tomato and onion slices
👩🍳 Instructions
- Yogurt Sauce: Combine the yogurt sauce ingredients and leave in 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 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″ 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 a make 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the lamb kofta mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lamb kofta mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further, resulting in a more delicious kofta. Shape them onto skewers just before cooking for the best results.
What can I substitute for lamb mince?
If lamb mince is not available or preferred, you can use ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and pork. While the flavor profile will be slightly different, the spices in this recipe will still create a wonderfully aromatic and tasty kofta. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
What are good side dishes to serve with Lamb Koftas?
Lamb Koftas are incredibly versatile. Beyond the suggested flatbreads and fresh salad, they pair wonderfully with couscous, rice pilaf, a simple tabouleh, or even roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. For more Mediterranean inspiration, consider adding a fresh Mediterranean Diet Recipes inspired salad.
