Description
These Lamb Kofte are flavorful, tender, and packed with spices. Made with ground lamb, herbs, and a mix of aromatic spices, these kebabs are perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Serve with a side of yogurt, fresh vegetables, or in a pita for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying or grilling)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the kofte mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined. The mixture should be moist and sticky. - Shape the kofte:
Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions. With wet hands, shape each portion into a long, cylindrical kebab, about 4-5 inches in length, or form meatball-sized kofte if you prefer smaller pieces. - Cook the kofte:
- Grilling: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the kofte on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
- Pan-frying: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kofte and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve:
Once cooked, remove the kofte from the heat. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley or mint if desired. Serve the lamb kofte with a side of yogurt, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Spice adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences. Add more cayenne for extra heat or experiment with other spices like sumac or turmeric for different flavor profiles.
- Grilling tips: If grilling, be careful not to overcook the kofte, as lamb can become dry. Keep the grill temperature medium-high for best results.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with a side of hummus, tzatziki, or a tomato-cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kofte
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg