If you love recipes bursting with bold flavors yet are incredibly easy to bring together, you’re in for a treat with this Lamb Kofte. Juicy, aromatic, and warmly spiced, lamb kofte are a true crowd-pleaser—perfectly suited for anything from a cozy family dinner to a lively summer grill night. With the rustic charm of aromatic herbs and a complex layering of Middle Eastern spices, these kofte are as comforting as they are unforgettable. Whether you serve them wrapped in warm pita or perched over a fresh salad, every bite is guaranteed to transport your senses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lamb Kofte lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a vital role in creating depth, juiciness, and eye-catching color. By choosing the freshest herbs and top-notch spices, you ensure each kofte is packed with irresistible flavor from the inside out.
- Ground Lamb: Rich, tender, and absolutely essential for authentic flavor and texture in your kofte.
- Small Onion, Finely Grated: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture, ensuring juicy kofte every time.
- Garlic, Minced: Three cloves give the savory backbone no lamb kofte can live without.
- Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped: Brings brightness and fresh green color that lifts the dish.
- Fresh Mint, Chopped: Invigorates every bite with its cooling, aromatic punch.
- Ground Cumin: Lends earthy warmth that’s a classic in Middle Eastern cooking.
- Ground Coriander: Offers citrusy hints that enhance the lamb and herbs.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant red hue.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a touch to give an intriguing, sweet-spicy undertone.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who like a gentle kick, this delivers it!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all those layers of flavor together.
- Olive Oil (for grilling or pan-frying): Prevents sticking and adds a whisper of Mediterranean richness.
How to Make Lamb Kofte
Step 1: Mix the Lamb Kofte Mixture
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a good amount of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; dig in with clean hands and mix everything until just combined—over-mixing can make the texture a little tough, so stop once the mixture comes together nicely.
Step 2: Shape the Kofte
Divide your fragrant lamb mixture into 8 equal portions for even cooking. Roll each piece into an oval or football shape—this is the classic kofte look. If you want a fun twist, gently press each onto a skewer for easy grilling and serving. Chilling the shaped kofte for 15-30 minutes really helps them keep their shape while cooking.
Step 3: Preheat and Oil Your Grill or Pan
Before cooking, make sure your grill, grill pan, or skillet is preheated over medium-high heat. Brush the grates or surface with olive oil so your precious Lamb Kofte don’t stick and develop an appetizing golden crust.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Place the kofte on the hot surface—not too crowded, please—and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. You want a gorgeous brown exterior and thoroughly cooked, juicy interior. The irresistible aroma will let you know you’re doing it right!
Step 5: Time to Serve
Once your kofte are sizzling and deeply colored, remove them from the grill or pan and let them rest a couple of minutes. This locks in the juices and gives you a moment to gather your favorite sides and garnishes.
How to Serve Lamb Kofte
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or mint brings out the kotfe’s vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Drizzling a little creamy yogurt sauce or a dollop of garlicky tzatziki takes them over the top. For extra zing, try thinly sliced red onion or a handful of pomegranate seeds.
Side Dishes
Serve your Lamb Kofte with soft, pillowy pita bread, a crunchy cucumber-tomato salad, or a scoop of airy, tangy hummus. Rice pilaf, pickled vegetables, or even oven-roasted potatoes make wonderful companions, soaking up the kofte’s juices effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread the kofte onto short skewers for a party platter or tuck them into pita wraps for a street-food vibe. If you’re entertaining, go mezze-style—pile kofte on a big platter with dips, salads, and breads for everyone to pick and choose at their own pace.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lamb Kofte keep extremely well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re just as flavorful the next day, making them a wonderful option for meal prep or an easy lunch.
Freezing
Kofte freeze beautifully, both raw or cooked! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to bags or containers. They’ll be ready for meals anytime, perfect for when you crave something homemade but quick.
Reheating
To keep the kofte juicy, warm them gently in a covered pan over low heat or in a 300-degree oven until just heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can dry them out, but a quick zap works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
Absolutely! While lamb offers the traditional flavor, you can substitute part or all of the lamb with ground beef without missing out on deliciousness.
Should I use fresh or dried herbs?
Fresh herbs are best for Lamb Kofte, providing vibrant flavor and color. If you only have dried, reduce the amounts by half and consider adding an extra splash of freshness with a squeeze of lemon.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! A grill pan or regular skillet on your stovetop works wonders. The kofte will still get beautifully browned and flavorful.
How spicy is Lamb Kofte?
The level of heat is up to you. The cayenne pepper is entirely optional, so feel free to dial it back or leave it out if you prefer things mild.
Can I shape the kofte ahead of time?
Yes, shaping them in advance and storing them in the fridge actually helps them hold their shape better during cooking. Great for stress-free entertaining!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for an easy, vibrant dish that never fails to impress, Lamb Kofte is just the ticket. I can’t wait for you to experience the flavors and share this irresistible classic with friends and family—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple at your table!
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Lamb Kofte Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and aromatic Lamb Kofte, a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with ground lamb and a blend of herbs and spices, perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Kofte:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or pan-frying)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape Kofte: Divide the mixture into 8 portions, shape into oval patties or onto skewers. Chill for 15–30 minutes.
- Cook Kofte: Preheat grill or pan, cook kofte for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with pita, yogurt sauce, or salad.
Notes
- Can be frozen raw or cooked
- Great with tzatziki or hummus
- Try a cucumber-tomato salad on the side
- Can substitute half the lamb with ground beef
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kofte
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
