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.
Yields 4 Servings Servings Quarter (1 Serving) Half (2 Servings) Default (4 Servings) Double (8 Servings) Triple (12 Servings) Prep Time 15 minsCook Time 15 minsTotal Time 30 minsMakes ~20 mini koftas
For the Koftas:
500 g ground lamb
1 small onion, grated or very finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (for binding)
Skewers (soaked if wooden)
For the Mint Yogurt:
¾ cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
1 tsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely grated
Salt to taste
Optional: drizzle of olive oil or lemon zest on top
To Serve:
Lemon wedges
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
Warm pita or flatbread
Prepare the Kofta Mixture
1
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.
Cook the Koftas
2
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:
Make the Mint Yogurt
3
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.
Plating
4
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.
Pairing Suggestions
5
Wine: Grenache, Syrah, or chilled rosé
Non-Alcoholic: Mint lemonade or cucumber yogurt drink (ayran)
Sides: Couscous, tabbouleh, or roasted eggplant dip
Chef's Tips
6
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.
Ingredients Makes ~20 mini koftas
For the Koftas:
500 g ground lamb
1 small onion, grated or very finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (for binding)
Skewers (soaked if wooden)
For the Mint Yogurt:
¾ cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
1 tsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely grated
Salt to taste
Optional: drizzle of olive oil or lemon zest on top
To Serve:
Lemon wedges
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
Warm pita or flatbread
Directions Prepare the Kofta Mixture
1
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.
Cook the Koftas
2
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:
Make the Mint Yogurt
3
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.
Plating
4
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.
Pairing Suggestions
5
Wine: Grenache, Syrah, or chilled rosé
Non-Alcoholic: Mint lemonade or cucumber yogurt drink (ayran)
Sides: Couscous, tabbouleh, or roasted eggplant dip
Chef's Tips
6
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.
Mini Lamb Koftas with Mint Yogurt
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