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Flavorful Grilled Lamb Kofta Recipe with Easy Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

grilled lamb kofta - featured image

This grilled lamb kofta recipe features smoky, spiced meat skewers paired with a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb
  • 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt
  • ½ medium cucumber, peeled and finely grated
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground lamb with grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, parsley, and olive oil. Mix gently but thoroughly for 1 to 2 minutes without overworking the meat.
  2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With lightly oiled hands, form each portion into a long oval shape around a skewer, about 4 to 5 inches long and 1 inch thick. Press firmly but do not compact too much.
  3. Place the skewers on a tray and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
  4. Grate the cucumber finely and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill or mint, and salt and pepper. Stir well and chill until serving.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  6. Grill the lamb skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently, until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Remove kofta from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Serve warm with creamy cucumber yogurt sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

Use fresh spices for best flavor. Keep hands wet or oiled when shaping kofta to prevent sticking. Chill kofta before grilling to help them hold shape. Avoid pressing down on kofta while grilling to keep them juicy. The cucumber yogurt sauce tastes best after chilling to meld flavors. If no grill is available, broil or pan-fry the kofta.

Nutrition

Keywords: lamb kofta, grilled lamb, cucumber yogurt sauce, easy kebab recipe, Middle Eastern lamb, quick dinner, grilled meat skewers