Lamb kofta
Spiced ground lamb formed into balls or patties, often grilled or fried. Popular in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, served with flatbreads and various dips.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground lamb
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs optional, for binding
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs (if using). Mix everything together well until thoroughly combined.
Shape the Koftas:
- With your hands, form the mixture into oval-shaped patties or long sausage shapes. You can also shape them around skewers if you prefer.
Cook the Koftas:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the koftas on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks.
- Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the koftas to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and browned on the outside.
Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the koftas from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite sides, such as pita bread, rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. They also pair well with dips like tzatziki, hummus, or baba ghanoush.