Lamb koftas are a delicous staple of Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. They are great barbecued or as part of a larger mezze meal. Not too tricky to make either, but endlessly adaptable, here’s how you can make delicious lamb koftas at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, parsley, and mint. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into a cylindrical kofta around the soaked wooden skewers. Make sure the koftas are firmly packed so they hold their shape during cooking.
- Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Brush the lamb koftas with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the koftas for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and nicely browned on all sides. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Once cooked, remove the lamb koftas from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the delicious lamb koftas hot with your favorite accompaniments such as pita bread, yogurt sauce, hummus, or a fresh salad.
