Kofta wraps with tzatziki are a perfect combination of flavorful and refreshing ingredients that make for a delicious meal any time of the day. To make these wraps, you will need some lamb mince, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, chili flakes, salt, pepper, Greek yogurt, cucumber, fresh mint leaves, lemon, self-raising flour, baking powder, fresh coriander, salt, and pepper.
The tzatziki contains Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped mint leaves, lemon zest and juice, and a pinch of salt. To make the homemade flatbread, you will need to use self-raising flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, chopped fresh coriander, salt, and pepper.
What Are Lamb Kofta Wraps?
Lamb kofta wraps are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines juicy and flavorful lamb kofta with fresh vegetables and a tangy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped up in soft and warm pita bread.
The vegetables used in lamb kofta wraps can vary but commonly include sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, as well as fresh herbs like parsley or mint. These add a refreshing crunch and bright flavor to the wrap, balancing out the richness of the lamb.
The History of Kofta
The name “kofta” itself hints at their creation: “kofta” likely comes from an old Persian word for smashing or grinding, reflecting the traditional method of preparing this spiced meat mixture.
Kofta has been enjoyed for centuries and has evolved to include a wide variety of ingredients and flavors. In some regions, kofta is made with beef, while in others lamb or chicken is used. Vegetarian versions of kofta can also be found, made with ingredients such as chickpeas or lentils.
One of the most interesting things about kofta is how it has been adapted to suit different cultures and tastes. For example, in India, kofta is often served in a rich tomato-based curry, while in Turkey, it is commonly grilled and served with a side of yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
For the kofta:
- 500g / 1.1 lbs. of lamb mince
- 2 tsp of ground cumin
- 2 tsp of ground coriander
- 1 ½ tsp of ground paprika
- ½ tsp of ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp of chilli flakes
- A good pinch of salt and pepper
Tzatziki:
- 200 ml of Greek yogurt (6.8 fl oz)
- ½ grated cucumber (grated)
- 10 fresh and finely chopped mint leaves
- 1 juiced lemon (and zest)
- A pinch of salt
Homemade flatbread:
- 350g / 12.3 oz of self-raising flour
- 350g / 12.3 oz of unsweetened Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp of baking powder
- A small bunch (finely chopped) of fresh coriander or cilantro
- A pinch of salt and pepper
How to Make Lamb Kofta Wraps with Tzatziki?
Koftas:
- To prevent burning during cooking, soak the bamboo skewers in hot water for 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the spices.
- Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oblong shape and wrap it around half of a skewer. Refrigerate the koftas on a baking sheet for at least 30 minutes.
Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and zest, chopped mint, and salt.
- Cover the tzatziki sauce and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Flatbread:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, chopped coriander, and salt. Using a knife or pastry cutter, incorporate the Greek yogurt until just combined.
- Form the dough into a ball and knead it gently for about a minute on a lightly floured surface. Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 10 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a thin circle. Heat a griddle pan, frying pan, or barbecue grill to medium heat. Cook the flatbreads for 2 minutes per side, or until lightly golden brown. Wrap the cooked flatbreads in a clean cloth to keep them warm.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
When serving lamb kofta wraps with tzatziki, I like to offer a variety of side dishes to complement the flavors and add some extra nutrition to the meal. Here are a few of my favorite options:
- Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives is a perfect side dish for lamb kofta wraps. The crisp vegetables and tangy cheese provide a refreshing contrast to the rich meat and creamy tzatziki.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor that pairs well with the spiced lamb. Toss the veggies with some olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized.
- Hummus and Pita: Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Served with warm pita bread, it makes a delicious and filling side dish that complements the lamb kofta wraps perfectly.
Garnishes
Garnishes are a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your lamb kofta wraps. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro add a bright, fresh flavor to the wraps and help balance out the richness of the lamb and tzatziki.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables like onions, cucumbers, and carrots provide a tangy, acidic contrast to the meat and yogurt sauce. You can make your pickles or buy them at the store.
- Hot Sauce: If you like a little heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add some spice and complexity to the wraps.
Storing and Reheating
It’s important to store leftovers properly to ensure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible. I usually store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I prefer to use the oven or toaster oven as it helps to maintain the texture of the wrap. Simply preheat the oven to 350°F, wrap the kofta wrap in aluminum foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a soggy wrap.
As for the tzatziki sauce, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If it appears to be too thick when you take it out of the fridge, simply stir it and it should be good to go.
Remember to always reheat your food thoroughly and check that it’s piping hot before consuming it to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your wraps turn out delicious and flavorful.
Firstly, one common mistake is overcooking the lamb kofta. Overcooking the kofta can result in dry and tough meat, which can ruin the overall taste and texture of the wrap. To avoid this, make sure to cook the kofta until it is just cooked through, and avoid cooking it for too long.
Another mistake to avoid is using too much tzatziki. While tzatziki is a delicious and refreshing addition to the wrap, using too much can overpower the other flavors and make the wrap soggy. To avoid this, use a moderate amount of tzatziki, and consider serving extra tzatziki on the side for those who want more.
Lastly, be careful not to overstuff your wrap. While it can be tempting to fill your wrap with as much filling as possible, overstuffing can make the wrap difficult to eat and cause it to fall apart. Instead, aim for a moderate amount of filling that will fit comfortably in the wrap.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading about my recipe for lamb kofta wraps with tzatziki! Throughout the article, I tried to explain the steps simply and concisely, so that you can easily recreate this delicious dish in your kitchen.
When it comes to cooking, I always like to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. This recipe is a perfect example of how you can take a classic dish and give it your unique twist. By using lamb instead of beef, and adding some fresh herbs and spices, we’ve taken the humble kofta to a whole new level.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve the koftas on their own as a main course, or wrap them up in pita bread with some tzatziki and salad for a tasty lunch or dinner. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try serving them with some spicy harissa sauce or pickled vegetables for an extra kick of flavor.
Overall, I think this recipe is a great addition to any home cook’s repertoire. It’s easy to make, packed full of flavor, and sure to impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try and see what you think? I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Still hungry? You can pair this kofta wrap with spiced rice!
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