Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe: An Easy-To-Follow Guide

Lamb kofta with yogurt sauce recipe is a classic Middle Eastern recipe that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy ground lamb, fragrant spices, and tangy yogurt sauce is simply irresistible. In this article, I’ll share my favorite recipe for lamb kofta with yogurt sauce and show you just how easy it is to make this delicious dish at home.

To make the koftas, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Ground lamb is the star of the show, and it’s mixed with grated onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, and fresh coriander. The spices make this dish special, with a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. These spices give the koftas a warm, earthy flavor with a little kick of heat. Once the koftas are formed, they’re grilled until golden brown and cooked through.

The yogurt sauce perfectly accompanies the koftas, with a creamy, tangy flavor that balances out the spices. Greek yogurt is mixed with olive oil, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple but delicious sauce. It’s the perfect finishing touch to this flavorful dish. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

What Is Lamb Kofta?

Kofta is a meatball popular across the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. The word “kofta” is derived from the Persian word “kufteh,” which means “to grind” or “to mash.”

Lamb kofta is a delicious and flavorful dish with ground lamb meat, spices, and herbs. The meat is mixed with various spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, and then shaped into small, oblong meatballs. The meatballs are then grilled or baked until they are golden brown and cooked through.

One of the things that makes lamb kofta so delicious is the addition of herbs such as parsley and mint. These herbs add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish, which pairs perfectly with the rich and savory lamb meat.

Lamb kofta is often served with a yogurt sauce, which is made of yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, and salt. The tangy and creamy sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful meatballs.

Health Benefits of Lamb

1. High in Protein – a 3-ounce serving of lamb provides around 23 grams of protein
2. Rich in Iron – a 3-ounce serving of lamb provides around 15% of the daily recommended intake of iron.
3. Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals – vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
4. Supports Brain Health – it’s a good source of choline, a nutrient that is essential for brain health.
5. Helps Maintain Healthy Bones – a good source of calcium and phosphorus.

Ingredients:

Koftas:

• 1 lb / 500 g of lamb mince
• 1/2 of grated onion
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 crushed cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander

Kofta Spices:

• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 2 teaspoons of coriander
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoons of cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper

Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup of Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 crushed clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper, each

How to Make the Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe?

Serving Suggestions

Plating the Lamb Kofta

I usually place the kofta on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves and sprinkle some chopped parsley or coriander on top. This not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also enhances its flavor. Additionally, I like to serve the yogurt sauce on the side in a small bowl or ramekin. This allows my guests to add as much or as little sauce as they want and customize the dish to their liking.

Side Dishes

While the lamb kofta is the star of the show, it’s always a good idea to serve some complementary side dishes to balance out the meal. One of my go-to side dishes is a simple cucumber and tomato salad. Another great option is some roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or eggplant.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Now you may have leftovers that you want to store for later. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your lamb kofta:

• Store the lamb kofta and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will help to keep them fresh for longer.
• When reheating the lamb kofta, it is best to do so in the oven or on the stovetop. This will help to maintain its texture and flavor.
• To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the lamb kofta on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• To reheat on the stovetop, place the lamb kofta in a skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid and heat for 5-10 minutes or until heated enough.
• When reheating the yogurt sauce, it is best to do so on the stovetop. Heat on low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Firstly, it’s important not to overwork the lamb mixture when forming the kofta. Overworking the meat can result in tough and dry kofta. Instead, gently mix the ingredients until just combined, and then shape the kofta into small, uniform balls.

Another mistake to avoid is using too much oil when cooking the kofta. While a small amount of oil is necessary to prevent sticking, using too much can result in greasy and heavy kofta. Instead, use a non-stick pan or grill and brush the kofta with a small amount of oil before cooking.

When making the yogurt sauce, it’s important not to add too much lemon juice or salt. These ingredients can easily overpower the delicate flavors of the yogurt and herbs. Instead, start with a small amount and gradually add more to taste.

Finally, it’s important to let the kofta rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the kofta are moist and tender.

Customizing Your Lamb Kofta

• Spice it up: If you prefer your kofta on the spicier side, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also serve the kofta with a side of harissa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Add some herbs: Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to your kofta. Try adding chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro to the meat mixture before shaping into balls.
• Experiment with different meats: While lamb is traditional for kofta, you can also try making it with beef, chicken, or turkey. Each meat will give the dish a slightly different flavor.
• Switch up the yogurt sauce: While the yogurt sauce in this recipe is delicious, you can also experiment with different flavors. Try adding some chopped cucumber or mint to the sauce, or using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a thicker, tangier sauce.
• Serve with different sides: While pita bread and cucumber salad are classic sides for kofta, you can also serve it with other sides to mix things up. Try serving it with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this lamb kofta with yogurt sauce recipe as much as I did. It’s a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner with friends and family.

The combination of ground lamb and spices makes the kofta flavorful and juicy, while the yogurt sauce adds a refreshing and tangy touch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to make the recipe your own.

Remember to grill the kofta over medium-high heat and turn them frequently to prevent burning. Serve them with pita bread, sliced onions, and fresh herbs for a complete meal.

Overall, this lamb kofta with yogurt sauce recipe is a must-try for any meat lover. It’s easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress your guests. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Want to add freshness to your meal? Try adding baba ganoush with feta cheese.
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