This Mini Moroccan Lamb Kofta Balls recipe features spiced ground lamb rolled into tender, bite-sized meatballs, flavored with warm spices, garlic, herbs, and onion. Served with a tangy yogurt sauce or harissa dip, they’re perfect for entertaining, mezze platters, or tapas-style parties.
Yields 24 Servings Servings Quarter (6 Servings) Half (12 Servings) Default (24 Servings) Double (48 Servings) Triple (72 Servings) Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 20 minsTotal Time 40 minsMakes 24–28 mini koftas
For the Lamb Kofta
1 lb ground lamb
2 tbsp grated onion (juice and all)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp allspice (optional)
½ tsp chili flakes or Aleppo pepper (adjust to heat preference)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Zest of ½ lemon
For Serving
Mini skewers or toothpicks (optional)
Yogurt dip: Mix ½ cup Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp olive oil + pinch of salt and mint
Optional: Harissa paste or tahini sauce for extra flair
Make the Kofta Mixture
1
In a bowl, combine all lamb kofta ingredients.
Mix well using clean hands or a fork — don’t overmix, just until everything is well incorporated.
Chill mixture for 15 minutes to firm up (optional but helps with shaping).
Shape the Balls
2
Roll mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter (about a heaping tablespoon each).
Place on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
Cook the Kofta
3 Pan-Fry Method:
Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear the kofta balls in batches, turning to brown all sides (about 8–10 minutes total ).
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
Arrange koftas on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes , turning halfway through for even browning.
Pairing Suggestions
4
Wine:
Cocktails:
Serve Alongside:
Mini pita or flatbread wedges
Cucumber yogurt dip (raita-style)
Roasted carrot hummus or baba ghanoush
Tips & Notes
5
Lamb too rich? Use a mix of lamb and ground beef or turkey.
Spice tweak: Adjust cinnamon and chili to suit your guests — Moroccan food is aromatic but not necessarily spicy.
Make ahead: These freeze beautifully either raw or cooked. Great for prepping in bulk!
Mini skewers = extra flair: Especially helpful for serving cleanly at events.
Ingredients Makes 24–28 mini koftas
For the Lamb Kofta
1 lb ground lamb
2 tbsp grated onion (juice and all)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp allspice (optional)
½ tsp chili flakes or Aleppo pepper (adjust to heat preference)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Zest of ½ lemon
For Serving
Mini skewers or toothpicks (optional)
Yogurt dip: Mix ½ cup Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp olive oil + pinch of salt and mint
Optional: Harissa paste or tahini sauce for extra flair
Directions Make the Kofta Mixture
1
In a bowl, combine all lamb kofta ingredients.
Mix well using clean hands or a fork — don’t overmix, just until everything is well incorporated.
Chill mixture for 15 minutes to firm up (optional but helps with shaping).
Shape the Balls
2
Roll mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter (about a heaping tablespoon each).
Place on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
Cook the Kofta
3 Pan-Fry Method:
Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear the kofta balls in batches, turning to brown all sides (about 8–10 minutes total ).
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
Arrange koftas on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes , turning halfway through for even browning.
Pairing Suggestions
4
Wine:
Cocktails:
Serve Alongside:
Mini pita or flatbread wedges
Cucumber yogurt dip (raita-style)
Roasted carrot hummus or baba ghanoush
Tips & Notes
5
Lamb too rich? Use a mix of lamb and ground beef or turkey.
Spice tweak: Adjust cinnamon and chili to suit your guests — Moroccan food is aromatic but not necessarily spicy.
Make ahead: These freeze beautifully either raw or cooked. Great for prepping in bulk!
Mini skewers = extra flair: Especially helpful for serving cleanly at events.
Mini Moroccan Lamb Kofta Balls
