Description

These Lamb Koftas with Yogurt Dressing are juicy, aromatic, and packed with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors from fresh herbs and warm spices. Paired with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, they’re perfect served in pita bread with fresh veggies, over rice, or alongside a salad. Versatile, easy to make, and crowd-pleasing, they’re ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Koftas:

1.5 lbs ground lamb (preferably from the leg or shoulder)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped

1 large egg, lightly beaten

½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp ground coriander

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Yogurt Dressing:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)

2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

Pita bread or flatbread

Cucumber slices

Tomato slices

Red onion, thinly sliced

Lettuce leaves

Hummus (optional)

Tzatziki sauce (optional)

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Instructions

Mix Kofta Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, egg, breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix gently without overworking.
Test Seasoning – Cook a teaspoon of the mixture in a pan to taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Shape Koftas – With damp hands, form into small patties or sausage-like shapes (2–3 inches long).
Chill – Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Cook Koftas –
Stovetop: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat; cook 2–3 minutes per side, then cover and cook 8–10 minutes until 160°F.
Grill: Preheat grill to medium; cook 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C); bake 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
Make Yogurt Dressing – Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill 30 minutes.
Assemble & Serve – Warm pita, spread with yogurt dressing, add koftas, cucumber, tomato, onion, and lettuce. Serve with hummus or tzatziki.

Notes

Swap lamb for ground beef if preferred.
Make vegetarian by using plant-based meat or ground chickpeas.
Add grated cucumber to dressing for a thicker, tzatziki-style sauce.
Refrigerate koftas and dressing separately up to 3 days; freeze koftas up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course