The lamb kofta with mint yogurt recipe is packed with spices and herbs, and the combination of the juicy kofta with the tangy yogurt sauce is simply divine.
To make the kofta, you’ll need around mince lamb, beef, or pork and veal. coriander, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, as well as fresh herbs like parsley and coriander or mint.
For the mint yogurt sauce, you’ll need just a few ingredients, including Greek or thick plain unsweetened yogurt, ground cumin, and some mint jelly or honey for sweetness. I like to add a pinch of salt and some fresh mint for extra flavor, but these are optional.
What Is Lamb Kofta?
Lamb kofta, as the name suggests, is made with ground lamb meat. The meat is typically mixed with a variety of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, as well as onions, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint.
The mixture is then shaped into small, oblong-shaped balls or patties, which are grilled or baked until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside.
Lamb kofta is often served with a variety of accompaniments, such as pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, or a refreshing yogurt sauce, like the mint yogurt recipe we’ll be sharing in this article.
Ingredients:
- 2.2 lb of minced lamb
- 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh coriander or mint
- 2 peeled and quartered onions
- 4 peeled and roughly chopped garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or to taste
- 3 teaspoons of table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil for frying
For the mint yogurt sauce:
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt or thick plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 2-3 tablespoons of mint jelly (or honey to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint
- A small pinch of salt
How to Make Lamb Kofta with Mint Yogurt Recipe?
Kofta Preparation:
- To prevent scorching during cooking, pre-soak skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Utilizing a food processor, finely chop all kofta ingredients excluding the ground meat. Process until a homogenous paste forms. Ensure even incorporation by scraping down the sides halfway through.
- Transfer the paste to a large bowl and incorporate the ground meat. Employ clean hands or gloves to thoroughly combine and ensure all meat is well-seasoned.
- Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions. You have the option to shape them into skewers (pressing firmly for secure adherence), balls, flattened patties, or sausage-like forms.
- For added firmness, particularly when using skewers, refrigerate the shaped koftas for 15 minutes.
Cooking the Koftas:
- Preheat a large frying pan over medium-high heat with cooking oil.
- Cook the koftas in batches, allowing approximately 6 minutes per batch. Ensure all sides are browned by turning frequently. For patties, reduce cooking time to roughly 3 minutes per side, ensuring complete internal cooking.
- For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the koftas over charcoal or a barbecue.
Mint Yogurt Sauce:
- In a jug or small bowl, whisk together the mint jelly and cumin until smooth. Gradually incorporate a small amount of yogurt while whisking continuously.
- Once smooth, add the remaining yogurt and stir well to combine.
- Season the sauce with salt to taste. For an extra refreshing touch, include freshly chopped mint.
- Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Pairing with Side Dishes
1. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a perfect side dish to lamb kofta. They are easy to prepare and can be cooked on the same grill as the kofta. Try grilling some zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or onions. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until they are tender and slightly charred.
2. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a classic side dish that pairs well with lamb kofta. You can make it with basmati rice, which has a nutty flavor that complements the spices in the kofta. Add some toasted almonds, raisins, and chopped herbs to the rice for extra flavor and texture.
3. Greek Salad
A refreshing Greek salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the lamb kofta. Toss together some chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.
4. Hummus and Pita
Hummus and pita bread are a classic combination that goes well with lamb kofta. You can make your hummus or buy it pre-made. Serve it with warm pita bread that has been lightly toasted on the grill.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover lamb kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: If you won’t be able to eat your leftovers within 3 days, consider freezing them. Place the kofta in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to add a little water or broth to the container to prevent the kofta from drying out.
- Serve with fresh yogurt: To freshen up your leftovers, serve them with a dollop of fresh mint yogurt. The cool, tangy yogurt pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced kofta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the resting time: After shaping the koftas, it’s important to let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the koftas hold their shape.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the koftas, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and steaming instead of browning. Cook the koftas in batches if necessary.
- Don’t overcook the koftas: Lamb koftas should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Overcooking can result in dry and tough koftas. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to perfection.
- Don’t forget the mint yogurt: The mint yogurt is an essential part of this recipe. Don’t forget to make it or serve it alongside the koftas. The cool and tangy yogurt complements the spiced lamb perfectly.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make my lamb kofta with mint yogurt recipe. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to switch up the recipe and make it your own. Maybe you’ll decide to add some extra veggies or swap out the lamb for beef or chicken. The possibilities are endless!
I hope this recipe has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and try something new. Happy cooking!
Still hungry? Pair this kofta dish with rice pilaf!
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