Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Dressing

Ingredients

Lamb Kofta

• 1 lb ground lamb

• ½ onion, grated

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 2 tsp paprika

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¾ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust or omit to taste)

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Yogurt Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop (overnight is even better).

2. Grate the onion into a large bowl. Add the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, garlic, coriander, and all of the spices. Mix well with your hands until fully combined.

3. With damp hands, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each one around a skewer, forming into long, slightly flattened ovals. Smooth them out or leave them slightly textured for more browning.

4. Cook the koftas:

   • Stovetop: Heat ½ tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas in batches for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

   • Grill/BBQ: Grill over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes, rotating to brown evenly.

   • Oven broiler: Preheat your broiler and place koftas 10 inches (25–30 cm) from the heat source. Broil for about 12 minutes, turning as needed until lightly browned.

5. Serve: Build your plate with a warmed flatbread, a smear of yogurt sauce, a handful of salad or veggies, and a kofta or two. Drizzle more sauce on top and enjoy!

Serves: 4 Time: 35 minutes Calories: 391 Protein: 30g Carbs: 12g Fat: 24g