Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings warmth and a touch of the exotic to your table, then this Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing Recipe is just what you need. These succulent, spiced lamb koftas paired with a cooling, zesty yoghurt dressing create a perfectly balanced bite every time. Easy to prepare and serve, this recipe offers a delightful mix of rich textures and fresh flavors that make it an all-time favorite for gatherings or a satisfying family meal. Trust me, once you try these lamb koftas, they will become a treasured staple in your cooking repertoire!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant medley of spices and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth to the lamb, adding moisture and crunch, or balancing the rich meat with refreshing tangy notes from the yoghurt dressing.

• 1 lb / 500 g lamb mince: The rich and juicy base for the koftas, choose fresh ground lamb for best results.
• 1/2 onion (grated): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to keep the koftas tender.
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Helps bind the meat and keep the koftas light.
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed): Brings that signature punch of savory depth.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander: Adds fragrant, fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish.
• 2 tsp cumin: Offers a warm, earthy aroma that complements the lamb beautifully.
• 2 tsp coriander: Adds a citrusy, nutty undertone to the meat.
• 2 tsp paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and vibrant red color.
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides a subtly sweet warmth to balance the spices.
• 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat – reduce or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
• 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of sharpness.
• 1 cup yoghurt (Greek or any thick plain): The cooling dressing sauce base that contrasts the spices perfectly.
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds smooth richness to the yoghurt dressing.
• 1 clove garlic (crushed): Infuses the yoghurt dressing with gentle pungency.
• 1 tsp cumin: Continues the warm, earthy theme in the yoghurt sauce.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brings essential brightness and tang to the dressing.
• 1/4 tsp salt and pepper (each): Balances the dressing for a perfect flavor harmony.
• 8 skewers: For shaping and cooking your koftas — handy for grilling or pan-cooking.
• 8 small flatbreads: Perfect for wrapping and serving the koftas in a lovely handheld meal.
• Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad: Adds a refreshing, colorful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the koftas and yoghurt.

How to Make Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yoghurt Dressing

Start by whisking together the yoghurt, extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, ground cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pop this in the fridge for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can mingle and deepen. If you have time, letting it rest overnight will take the taste to a whole new level of delight.

Step 2: Mix the Kofta Ingredients

Grate the onion finely and add it into a large mixing bowl with the lamb mince. Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, fresh coriander, and all the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together evenly — feeling the texture helps ensure the flavors are well combined and the mixture binds nicely.

Step 3: Shape the Koftas onto Skewers

Dampen your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then divide the lamb mixture into eight equal portions. Press each portion firmly around a skewer, shaping them into smooth or slightly textured ovals according to your preference. Smooth koftas look elegant, but a rough texture can create extra crispy edges when cooked.

Step 4: Cook the Koftas

You’ve got options for cooking: on the stove, BBQ, or broiler. For stove cooking, heat half a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook koftas in batches, ensuring you turn them to get that gorgeous even brown all around, about 5 minutes total. On the BBQ, cook for approximately six minutes, rotating often for the perfect char. If you prefer the broiler or oven grill, place the koftas 10 inches from the heat and cook for about 12 minutes, turning occasionally — note that browning won’t be quite as deep but still delicious.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving Prep

Once cooked through and beautifully browned, your lamb koftas are ready to be enjoyed. Keep warm while you prepare to serve by layering flatbreads, yoghurt dressing, fresh shredded salad, and koftas for a meal everyone can assemble themselves. It’s such a fun, interactive way to enjoy the dish!

How to Serve Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh chopped coriander, a sprinkle of sumac, or a few lemon wedges elevate this dish by adding bright, herby freshness and acidity that cut through the richness of the lamb. These touches not only amplify flavor but also add inviting colors to your serving platter.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with light, fresh sides. A salad of shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint works beautifully for crunch and brightness, but you can also serve with sliced tomatoes, onions, and crisp lettuce for a more familiar combo. Roasted vegetables or a side of fluffy couscous also complement the spices wonderfully if you want something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box by serving your lamb koftas as part of a mezze spread with hummus, olives, and pita breads. Alternatively, stack koftas on flatbreads topped with yoghurt dressing and salad for handheld wraps, or turn them into a stunning plated meal with drizzle art of the dressing around the plate. Little touches like this make the dish feel extra special and fun for your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover lamb koftas, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The yoghurt dressing can be kept separately in its own container for freshness. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked koftas by placing them on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking. The yoghurt dressing is best made fresh and not frozen.

Reheating

For reheating cooked koftas, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a moderate oven to preserve juiciness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the textures intact. Warm the yoghurt dressing separately or serve it cold for the best taste contrast.

FAQs

Can I use beef or chicken instead of lamb?

Absolutely! While lamb is traditional and offers a rich flavor, ground beef or chicken can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that chicken is leaner, so you might want to add a little extra moisture like a splash of olive oil to keep the koftas juicy.

How spicy is this recipe?

The cayenne pepper adds a mild to medium heat depending on your tolerance. You can easily reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder dish. The spices overall balance warmth with fragrant sweetness.

Can I prepare the koftas in advance?

Yes! You can mix and shape the koftas ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for up to a day before cooking. This is perfect for meal prep or saving time on busy days.

What can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the meat, but if you’re out, crushed crackers, oat flakes, or ground nuts can be good alternatives. Just be mindful they may alter the texture slightly.

Is the yoghurt dressing dairy-free?

The traditional yoghurt dressing uses thick plain yoghurt, usually dairy-based. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut yoghurt or another plant-based thick yoghurt, but note the flavor will be subtly different.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing Recipe enough if you want something that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress. It combines hearty, spiced meat with a refreshing yoghurt sauce in such a satisfying way that it feels like a special treat without the fuss. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite with your friends and family!

Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing Recipe

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4.1 from 31 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Flavorful Lamb Koftas served with a tangy yoghurt dressing and fresh salad, perfect for a quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal. These spiced ground lamb skewers are versatile and can be cooked on the stove, BBQ, or broiler, then enjoyed wrapped in flatbreads with vibrant salads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Kofta Mixture

• 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
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste or omit)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Yoghurt Dressing

• 1 cup Greek or other thick plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

To Serve

• 8 skewers
• 8 small flatbreads
• Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad or shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare Yoghurt Sauce: Combine yogurt, olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to develop flavor, preferably overnight.
2. Mix Kofta Ingredients: Grate the onion into a mixing bowl using a box grater. Add lamb mince, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, chopped coriander, cumin, coriander powder, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
3. Shape Koftas: With damp hands, divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each into a smooth or slightly textured shape and skewer tightly onto 8 skewers.
4. Cook Koftas – Stove Method: Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook koftas in batches for about 5 minutes total, turning frequently to achieve even browning.
5. Cook Koftas – BBQ Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for approximately 6 minutes, turning to brown evenly on all sides.
6. Cook Koftas – Broiler/Oven Grill Method: Preheat broiler and place koftas about 10 inches (30 cm) from heat source. Cook for 12 minutes, rotating as needed to brown evenly. Note that browning will be less than stove or BBQ methods.
7. Serve: Arrange flatbreads, yoghurt sauce, koftas, and salad on a platter for a DIY serving experience.
8. Assemble Flatbread Wraps: Smear flatbread with yoghurt sauce, add a layer of shredded cabbage, carrot, and mint salad or your choice of lettuce, tomato, and onion. Place a cooked kofta on top, drizzle more yoghurt sauce, and enjoy!

Notes

• Note 1: Use soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers for best results and easy grilling.
• Note 2: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit if sensitive to spice.
• Note 3: Salad options can be mixed – shredded red cabbage with carrot and mint is traditional, or use shredded lettuce with tomato and onion for a fresher option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-12 minutes depending on method
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean