If you are after a dish that’s full of bold flavours and easy to prepare? Lamb Kofta is the answer! These delicious, spiced lamb meatballs are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, combining minced lamb, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or cooking indoors, this lamb kofta recipe is sure to impress.
With the perfect balance of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and mint, these lamb koftas are juicy, savoury, and packed with a burst of flavour in every bite. You can enjoy them on their own, in pita bread, or with a simple side salad for an easy yet satisfying meal.
What is Lamb Kofta?
Kofta is a type of meatball or kebab that originated in the Middle East and South Asia. It’s typically made with minced/ ground lamb or beef, mixed with herbs and spices, then shaped into oval patties or skewered for grilling. Kofta is known for its rich flavour and tender texture, making it a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Lamb Kofta Ingredients:
To make this easy lamb kofta recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Minced Lamb – Rich and flavourful, lamb is the star of this dish.
- Onion – Adds moisture and sweetness.
- Garlic – For a savoury punch.
- Ground cumin – Brings warm, earthy tones.
- Ground coriander – Adds a slight citrus note.
- Ground cinnamon – A subtle sweetness that complements the lamb.
- Ground paprika – For depth and colour.
- Ground allspice – Adds complexity to the seasoning.
- Fresh parsley – Adds a fresh, herby flavour.
- Fresh mint– Brightens the kofta with a cool, refreshing note.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavours.
- Black pepper – For a bit of heat.
- Olive oil – For grilling or frying.
Tips for the Best Lamb Kofta:
- Use Minced Lamb with Some Fat: Lamb with a higher fat content (around 20%) keeps the koftas juicy and full of flavour. Leaner cuts may result in a drier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the koftas dense.
- Shape with Wet Hands: To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands, wet them slightly before shaping the koftas.
Serving Suggestions:
Lamb Koftas pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve them with:
- Pita Bread or Try Our Easy Flatbread Recipe: Wrap the koftas in warm pita for a delicious lamb kofta wrap.
- Hummus: A simple hummus is the perfect accompaniment, you can use store bought or try our delicious homemade hummus recipe here: Homemade Hummus
- Salads: Our Fresh Tabbouleh Salad works perfectly: Tabbouleh or try our delicious Fattoush Salad.
- Sides: For a heartier meal, serve the koftas with these middle eastern inspired sides: Like our Honey Spiced Carrots with Labneh or Mediterranean Cous Cous
Storing Lamb Kofta:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover lamb koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or oven before serving.
- Freeze: You can freeze uncooked koftas for up to 2 months. Just shape them and place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator and grill or fry as usual.
Final Thoughts:
This easy Lamb Kofta recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the rich flavours of the Middle East in your own kitchen. Juicy, flavourful, and versatile, these lamb koftas are ideal for everything from casual dinners to entertaining. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can bring the delicious taste of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table.
Serve them with your favourite sides and enjoy this satisfying, protein-packed meal!
Lamb Kofta
Equipment
- 8 skewers
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 BBQ/ grill or griddle pan
Ingredients
- 500 g minced/ ground lamb
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoons olive oil for grilling or frying.
Instructions
Prepare the Kofta Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced lamb, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Shape the Kofta:
- Using your hands, form the lamb mixture into oval-shaped patties or roll them onto skewers. Aim for about 8-10 koftas, depending on the size.
Cook the Kofta:
- BBQ/ Grilling: Preheat your BBQ/ grill to medium-high heat. Brush the koftas with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a griddle pan over medium-high heat. Add the koftas and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Rest the Kofta:
- Once cooked, let the koftas rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps retain their juiciness.