Middle Eastern Kofta (Spiced Lamb Meatballs) Recipe
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Kofta, a delicious Middle Eastern dish, features tender spiced lamb meatballs, grilled on skewers to perfection. This recipe combines aromatic herbs and spices like mint, cumin, and tandoori-style spices to create a truly flavorful experience. Ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner, these meatballs are perfect when served with fresh salads, flatbreads, or over rice. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps for making these delectable koftas!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb (ground) | 640g |
| Fresh Mint (chopped) | 5 leaves |
| Red Chili (chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh Thyme (leaves) | 3 sprigs |
| Ground Cumin | 8g |
| Ras el Hanout (spice blend) | 8g |
| Lemon Zest | ½ lemon |
| Garlic (crushed) | 2 cloves |
| Salt (to taste) | q.b. |
| Black Pepper (to taste) | q.b. |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the mint leaves. Then, cut the red chili in half lengthwise, remove the seeds with the tip of a knife, and finely chop it. -
-
Mix the Meatball Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb with the chopped mint, red chili, fresh thyme leaves, ground cumin, and crushed garlic. Add the lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir in the Ras el Hanout spice blend, which brings an exotic flavor to the koftas. -
Shape the Koftas:
Once the mixture is well-combined, divide it into equal portions, about 80 grams each. Roll the mixture into elongated meatballs (about the size of your palm) to form the koftas. -
Skewer the Meatballs:
Carefully thread the formed meatballs onto skewers, ensuring they are compact and evenly distributed along the skewer. -
Grill the Kofta:
Preheat your grill or barbecue. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook the kofta for about 2 minutes on each side. Flip them carefully to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown exterior. -
Serve:
Once the koftas are grilled to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the skewers and serve them hot. Enjoy with a side of rice, couscous, or flatbread, and drizzle with a bit of yogurt or tahini sauce for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 300 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Tips and Variations
- Grilling: If you prefer cooking the kofta indoors, you can also use a grill pan or broil them in the oven.
- Spice Adjustment: If you want a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili or even some chili flakes to the mixture.
- Side Suggestions: Koftas are wonderful when paired with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or served on a warm pita with a yogurt-based sauce.
These flavorful Middle Eastern koftas will surely become a favorite at your next dinner gathering, bringing a touch of the Middle East to your table with every bite!
