These Mini Lamb Koftas are spiced to perfection and grilled until charred and juicy, served with a cooling and zesty Mint Yogurt dip. Whether passed around at a party or plated as an appetizer, they pack Middle Eastern flavors into every savory bite — ideal for mezze spreads or elegant starters.
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In a bowl, combine ground lamb with all spices, herbs, onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs (if using).
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Mix gently but thoroughly — avoid overworking.
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Form into small meatballs or oblong shapes (~1 tbsp each). If skewering, form them onto mini skewers.
Grill Method:
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Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush lightly with oil.
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Grill koftas for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Stovetop Method:
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Heat a cast iron or heavy pan with oil. Sear koftas in batches for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
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In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, mint, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
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Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with a swirl of olive oil or lemon zest if desired.
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Arrange koftas on a serving platter with a bowl of mint yogurt in the center.
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Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
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Serve with warm pita or cucumber ribbons for added flair.
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Wine: Grenache, Syrah, or chilled rosé
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Non-Alcoholic: Mint lemonade or cucumber yogurt drink (ayran)
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Sides: Couscous, tabbouleh, or roasted eggplant dip
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Want extra smokiness? Add a pinch of ground allspice or grill over charcoal.
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Double the batch for easy meal prep — leftovers are delicious in wraps.
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Substitute lamb with ground beef or turkey for a lighter option.
Ingredients
Directions
-
In a bowl, combine ground lamb with all spices, herbs, onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs (if using).
-
Mix gently but thoroughly — avoid overworking.
-
Form into small meatballs or oblong shapes (~1 tbsp each). If skewering, form them onto mini skewers.
Grill Method:
-
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush lightly with oil.
-
Grill koftas for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Stovetop Method:
-
Heat a cast iron or heavy pan with oil. Sear koftas in batches for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
-
In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, mint, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
-
Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with a swirl of olive oil or lemon zest if desired.
-
Arrange koftas on a serving platter with a bowl of mint yogurt in the center.
-
Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
-
Serve with warm pita or cucumber ribbons for added flair.
-
Wine: Grenache, Syrah, or chilled rosé
-
Non-Alcoholic: Mint lemonade or cucumber yogurt drink (ayran)
-
Sides: Couscous, tabbouleh, or roasted eggplant dip
-
Want extra smokiness? Add a pinch of ground allspice or grill over charcoal.
-
Double the batch for easy meal prep — leftovers are delicious in wraps.
-
Substitute lamb with ground beef or turkey for a lighter option.