Spiced Lamb Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine: ,
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Summer
Description

This Spiced Lamb Kofta with Garlic Yogurt is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines juicy, flavorful lamb skewers with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Seasoned with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, these koftas are grilled or pan-seared to perfection, making them an ideal dish for dinner, gatherings, or summer cookouts. Paired with garlic yogurt and fresh herbs, this recipe delivers bold flavors while staying simple and approachable.

Ingredients
    For the Lamb Kofta
  • 500 g ground lamb (preferably 20% fat for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion (finely grated, juice squeezed out)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander/cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing before cooking)
  • Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
    • For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
  • 250 g plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated into a paste)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • Fresh mint or parsley (finely chopped, optional)
    • For Serving (Optional Garnishes)
  • Flatbreads or pita bread
  • Fresh salad (tomatoes, cucumber, red onion)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, coriander, mint)
Instructions
    Prepare the Lamb Mixture
  1. 1
    In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion (with excess juice squeezed out), garlic, parsley, coriander, and all the spices. Mix well using your hands until everything is evenly combined but avoid overmixing, which can make the koftas tough. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld.
    2. Shape the Koftas
  2. 2
    After resting, lightly oil your hands and divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer into oval or cylindrical logs, about 10–12 cm long. Press gently to secure the meat to the skewer.
    3. Cook the Koftas
  3. 3
    Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (200°C). Brush koftas lightly with olive oil and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on the outside and cooked through.
  4. 4
    Oven Method: Preheat oven to 200°C. Place koftas on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. 5
    Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook koftas for 10–12 minutes, turning to ensure even cooking.
    6. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
  6. 6
    In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Stir until smooth. If desired, mix in fresh mint or parsley for extra freshness. Chill until ready to serve.
    7. Assemble and Serve
  7. 7
    Place cooked koftas on a serving platter. Drizzle with garlic yogurt or serve the sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and salad. Pair with warm flatbreads or pita for a complete meal.
Note

Storage: Store leftover koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven. The garlic yogurt sauce keeps for 2 days in the fridge.

Variations:

  • Replace lamb with beef or chicken (adjust cooking time slightly).
  • Add finely chopped chili or jalapeño for extra heat.
  • Swap garlic yogurt for tahini sauce for a nutty variation.

Serving Tip: Serve as wraps in pita bread with salad and sauce for a street-food-style meal.

Keywords: spiced lamb kofta, garlic yogurt sauce, easy lamb recipe, Middle Eastern lamb, grilled lamb skewers
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/spiced-lamb-kofta-with-garlic-yogurt-recipe/