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Spiced Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Sauce

Spiced Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Sauce
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Spiced Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Sauce features juicy, flavorful ground lamb infused with warm, earthy spices and fresh herbs, cooked to golden perfection and served with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. This quick and versatile dish is perfect for any occasion, offering bold flavors with minimal effort and a healthy, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Koftas

  • 500g fresh lean ground lamb
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, a pinch
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently to keep the mixture tender.
  2. Shape the Koftas: With your hands moistened to prevent sticking, form the mixture into small, evenly sized oval or round meatballs. Set them aside on a plate to rest briefly.
  3. Cook the Koftas: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the koftas and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked through without drying out.
  4. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the koftas cook, combine plain Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and finely chopped herbs like parsley or mint. Mix well for a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the spices in the lamb.
  5. Serve: Plate the koftas alongside a generous spoonful of the yogurt sauce, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color.

Notes

  • Don’t overwork the meat: Mix ingredients gently to keep koftas juicy, avoiding dense tough textures.
  • Chill before cooking: Rest the shaped koftas in the fridge for 20 minutes to help maintain their shape during cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro brightens the flavor far better than dried ones.
  • Cook on moderate heat: High heat can brown the exterior too quickly and leave the inside undercooked.
  • Customize your sauce: Add garlic or cucumber to the yogurt sauce for extra zest and crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced lamb koftas, yogurt sauce, Mediterranean appetizer, easy lamb recipe, gluten free koftas, lamb meatballs

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/spiced-lamb-koftas-with-yogurt-sauce/