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Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Fresh Herbs


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  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 kebabs

Description

Lamb Kofta Kebabs with fresh herbs are aromatic Middle Eastern skewers made from ground lamb, fresh herbs, and warm spices, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling yogurt sauce.


Ingredients

  1. For the kofta:
    1 lb (450g) ground lamb
    1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
    1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
    2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    1 teaspoon ground coriander
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    1 tablespoon olive oil (for binding)
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 egg (optional, for binding)
    For grilling:
    Skewers (wooden or metal)
    For the yogurt sauce (optional):
    1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
    1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
    Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice (if using), salt, and pepper. Add olive oil and lemon juice, then mix everything together. If the mixture feels too loose, you can add an egg to help bind it.

  1. Shape the kofta into oblong, sausage-like shapes around skewers, pressing the mixture firmly to ensure it stays in place while cooking. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form about 4-6 kebabs.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the kofta kebabs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and they are cooked through with nice grill marks.
  3. While the kebabs are grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, tahini (optional), lemon juice, chopped mint, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Once the koftas are grilled, remove from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with the yogurt sauce, fresh salad, flatbreads, or over rice or couscous for a heartier meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or lentils as the base for koftas, with similar spices and herbs.
  • Substitute ground lamb with ground beef, chicken, or turkey for a different flavor profile.
  • For a spicier version, add chopped green chilies, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to the kofta mixture.
  • Serve the koftas with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 kebab
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg