Lamb Koftas

Lamb koftas are straightforward to prepare. They are best eaten with flatbreads and a yogurt which can also be prepared as a sauce.

Koftas probably originate in many different forms from the Middle East although India too can claim to be the place of origin.

Ingredients

For the Koftas:

• 500g ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• Pita bread or rice
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Chopped parsley or mint for garnish
• Lemon wedges

Preparation

1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, ground cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

2. Shape the Koftas:

1. Take a handful of the lamb mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth, oval-shaped kofta. Each kofta should be about the size of a small sausage.
2. Repeat this process with the remaining lamb mixture until you have formed all the koftas.

3. Cook the Koftas:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the koftas to the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Cook the koftas for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Use tongs to turn them occasionally for even cooking.
4. Once cooked, remove the koftas from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

4. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped mint, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more lemon juice or salt according to your preference.

5. Assemble and Serve:

1. Warm the pita bread or prepare the rice according to your preference.
2. To serve, place a few koftas on each plate, along with some sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.
3. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the koftas or serve it on the side for dipping.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley or mint and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips:

• You can customize the spices in the koftas according to your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika to suit your palate.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the lamb mixture.
• For a smoky flavor, you can grill the koftas instead of cooking them in a skillet. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the koftas for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
• Serve the lamb koftas with your favorite sides and accompaniments, such as hummus, tzatziki, or tabbouleh salad, for a complete meal.