Spiced Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Mint Sauce

Spiced Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Mint Sauce
DifficultyBeginner

Juicy, aromatic lamb skewers served with a cool, herby yogurt dip — a bold, balanced appetizer inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time35 mins
For the Koftas
 1 lb ground lamb
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 small onion, grated or very finely chopped
 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
 1 tsp ground cumin
 1 tsp ground coriander
 ½ tsp smoked paprika (or chili powder for heat)
 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
 ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
 ¼ tsp black pepper
 Optional: pinch of ground allspice or sumac for depth
 Optional: 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs or chickpea flour to bind (if mixture is too wet)
For the Yogurt Mint Sauce
 ½ cup Greek yogurt
 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 1 clove small garlic, grated
 Salt and pepper, to taste
 Optional: drizzle of olive oil or pinch of za’atar on top
For Cooking
 12 small skewers (soaked in water if using wood)
 2 tbsp olive oil for pan or grill
Make the Kofta Mixture
1

  1. In a large bowl, combine:

    • Ground lamb

    • Garlic

    • Onion

    • Herbs

    • Spices

    • Salt & pepper

  2. Mix gently but thoroughly — don’t overwork or the koftas may be tough.

  3. Form into 12 small oval or round shapes, like short sausages or meatballs.

  4. Thread onto small skewers (or leave skewer-free if serving on toothpicks).

  5. Optional: Chill for 15–30 minutes to firm up.

Prepare the Yogurt Mint Sauce
2

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

    • Greek yogurt

    • Mint & parsley

    • Lemon juice

    • Garlic

    • Salt and pepper

  2. Adjust to taste and chill until serving.

Cook the Koftas
3

Option 1: Grill or Grill Pan

  • Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

  • Brush lightly with oil.

  • Cook koftas for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.

Option 2: Stovetop Skillet

  • Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  • Cook koftas in batches, turning to brown all sides (about 8–10 minutes total).

Option 3: Oven-Baked

 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  • Place koftas on parchment-lined sheet.

  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Serve
4

  • Arrange koftas on a platter with a small bowl of yogurt mint sauce.

  • Garnish with:

    • Extra herbs

    • Lemon wedges

    • Pomegranate seeds or sumac (for color & tang)

Flavor Variations
5

  • Swap lamb for ground beef, chicken, or turkey.

  • Add chopped pistachios, raisins, or pine nuts to the mix.

  • Use tzatziki, tahini sauce, or harissa yogurt instead of mint yogurt.

  • Serve with mini pita, flatbread, or over cucumber ribbons.

Pairing Suggestions
6

  • Wine: Grenache, Syrah, or a bold rosé

  • Cocktail: Cucumber-mint gin fizz, spiced whiskey sour, or arak spritz

  • Non-alcoholic: Mint lemonade, ayran, or iced hibiscus tea

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Ingredients

For the Koftas
 1 lb ground lamb
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 small onion, grated or very finely chopped
 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
 1 tsp ground cumin
 1 tsp ground coriander
 ½ tsp smoked paprika (or chili powder for heat)
 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
 ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
 ¼ tsp black pepper
 Optional: pinch of ground allspice or sumac for depth
 Optional: 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs or chickpea flour to bind (if mixture is too wet)
For the Yogurt Mint Sauce
 ½ cup Greek yogurt
 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 1 clove small garlic, grated
 Salt and pepper, to taste
 Optional: drizzle of olive oil or pinch of za’atar on top
For Cooking
 12 small skewers (soaked in water if using wood)
 2 tbsp olive oil for pan or grill
Spiced Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Mint Sauce
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