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+ servings
lamb kofta copycat Recipe

Lamb Kofta

When we think of delicious, savory dishes that excite the palate, lamb kofta easily comes to mind. Picture flavorful ground lamb mixed with spices shaped into juicy skewers, and grilled to perfection.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Greek, Middle Eastern
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • grill

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound finely ground lamb
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander seed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin seed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ medium yellow onion roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed and peeled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1 ½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil for greasing the baking sheet
  • For Serving:
  • Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
  • Creamy hummus
  • Warm pita bread
  • Charred lemon halves

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely ground lamb, smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

  • Toss in the roughly chopped onion, smashed garlic cloves, and chopped parsley. These ingredients add layers of flavor that will make your kofta irresistible.

Step 3: Mix in Yogurt and Nuts

  • Add the plain Greek yogurt and toasted pine nuts into the mixture. The yogurt helps keep the meat moist, and the pine nuts provide a welcome crunch.

Step 4: Season to Taste

  • Sprinkle in the coarse kosher salt. Give everything a good mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Don't be afraid to use your hands to ensure everything binds perfectly.

Step 5: Shape the Kofta

  • With clean hands, grab small portions of the mixture and shape them into oval patties or roll them onto skewers. Make sure they're compact so they hold together during cooking.

Step 6: Preheat and Cook

  • Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Grease your baking sheet or grill grates with olive oil. Place your kofta on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  • Take the kofta off the grill, and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Now it's time to plate them up with warm pita, creamy hummus, and a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

Notes

  • Keep Meat Cold: Chilled lamb mixture holds its shape better. When possible, work quickly.
  • Experiment with Spices: Consider adding a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick or fresh mint for a refreshing note.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the texture light and juicy.
  • Skewering Technique: If using skewers, ensure the mixture is tightly packed and doesn’t fall apart while cooking.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for precision—internal temperature should reach 160°F.
  • Keep Meat Cold: Chilled lamb mixture holds its shape better. When possible, work quickly.
  • Experiment with Spices: Consider adding a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick or fresh mint for a refreshing note.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the texture light and juicy.
  • Skewering Technique: If using skewers, ensure the mixture is tightly packed and doesn’t fall apart while cooking.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for precision—internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 22gFiber: 1g
Keyword Lamb Kofta
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