Ingredients
Koftas
- 1 lb / 500 g lamb mince (ground lamb)
- 1/2 onion, grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
Kofta Spices
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Yoghurt Sauce
- 1 cup yogurt, Greek or other thick plain
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
To Serve
- 8 skewers
- 8 small flatbreads or 4 large, warmed (homemade or store-bought)
- Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad OR shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince with grated onion, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, chopped fresh coriander, and all the kofta spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With wet hands, shape each portion into an elongated sausage shape around a skewer, ensuring the meat adheres firmly to avoid falling apart while cooking.
- Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat a grill or a griddle pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or the pan to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Koftas: Place the skewers on the hot grill or pan, cooking the koftas for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are browned on the outside and cooked through to a safe internal temperature (about 160°F / 71°C for lamb).
- Prepare the Yoghurt Dressing: While the koftas are cooking, combine the yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Warm the flatbreads in a dry pan, oven, or grill for a minute or two until soft and pliable.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the hot koftas on or alongside the warm flatbreads, topped or accompanied by the yoghurt dressing and your choice of shredded red cabbage, carrot and mint salad, or shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Note 1: Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning while grilling.
- Note 2: You can use store-bought flatbreads or make homemade ones to enhance the dish.
- Note 3: Choose between a refreshing cabbage-carrot-mint salad or a simple lettuce, tomato, and onion combination for serving to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
