Description
Lamb Kofte is a flavorful Middle Eastern grilled dish made from ground lamb mixed with fresh herbs and aromatic spices. Shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection, these juicy koftes are perfect served with pita, tzatziki, or a fresh salad for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 small onion, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Grilling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb with grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to maintain juiciness and texture.
- Shape Kofte: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a log or oval shape around metal or soaked wooden skewers to ensure even cooking and easy handling.
- Chill: Arrange the shaped koftes on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the koftes hold their shape during grilling.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook: Brush the koftes with olive oil. Grill them for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully to achieve even browning. Cook until the meat is browned on the outside and cooked through inside.
- Serve: Serve the lamb kofte hot with warm pita bread, refreshing tzatziki sauce, or a fresh salad for a classic Middle Eastern meal.
Notes
- Koftes can be baked as an alternative: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Substitute ground beef or a beef-lamb mixture if preferred.
- To keep koftes juicy, avoid overcooking the meat.
