Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce
If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to whip up, look no further than these Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce. Bursting with fresh herbs, warm spices, and paired with a creamy sauce, this recipe is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a delicious meal at home, these koftas are bound to impress. Serve them with warm pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce offer a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The lamb is tender and juicy, complemented by the aromatic herbs and spices. The yoghurt sauce adds a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the koftas. Plus, it’s a quick recipe that can be ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Gather These Ingredients
To make the Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g lamb mince
- 1 free-range egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, a generous amount
- Lemon wedges, to serve
- Pita bread, to serve
- Salad, to serve
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 20g parsley, chopped
- 20g fresh coriander, chopped
- 10g mint, chopped
- 50g seedless raisins or sultanas
- 50g blanched almonds or almond flakes, toasted
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup full-fat yoghurt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped chives or parsley
Before You Start: Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following kitchen equipment:
- Mixing bowl – for combining the kofta ingredients.
- Skewers – wooden or metal, for grilling the koftas.
- Grill pan or barbecue – to cook the koftas to perfection.
- Food processor – optional, for finely chopping herbs and onion.
- Serving platter – to present your delicious koftas.
From Start to Finish: Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 500g lamb mince, 1 free-range egg, 1 tsp dried oregano, a generous amount of salt and pepper, and the roughly chopped onion. Add the parsley, fresh coriander, mint, and seedless raisins or sultanas. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Now, sprinkle in the 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp cinnamon to the mixture. These spices will bring warmth and depth to your koftas. Mix again until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Koftas
With your hands, take portions of the mixture and shape them into oval or cylindrical patties. You can also thread them onto skewers for easy grilling. Aim for about 8-10 koftas, depending on your preferred size.
Step 4: Prepare the Yoghurt Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of full-fat yoghurt, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp cumin, and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Stir in 1 Tbsp finely chopped chives or parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy sauce will be the perfect complement to your koftas.
Step 5: Grill the Koftas
Preheat your grill pan or barbecue over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill to prevent sticking. Cook the koftas for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 70°C (160°F).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the koftas from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them warm with lemon wedges, pita bread, and a fresh salad. Drizzle the delicious yoghurt sauce over the koftas or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy your meal!
Holiday-Friendly Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate different tastes, here are some holiday-friendly variations:
- Swap lamb for beef or chicken mince if you prefer.
- Add grated zucchini or carrot to the kofta mixture for extra moisture and nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, incorporate chopped chili or red pepper flakes into the kofta mix.
- Use Greek yoghurt for a thicker sauce or try a dairy-free yoghurt alternative for a vegan option.
Errors to Dodge
To ensure your Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; this can lead to tough koftas.
- Make sure the grill is hot before cooking to get a good sear on the koftas.
- Don’t skip the resting time after grilling; it helps retain moisture.
- Be liberal with the seasoning; under-seasoned koftas can be bland.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
If you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, here’s how to store your Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce:
Koftas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat them gently in a pan or microwave before serving. The yoghurt sauce can also be kept in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze the koftas, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce FAQs
Can I make these koftas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just shape and cook the koftas when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with the koftas besides pita and salad?
These koftas pair wonderfully with couscous, rice pilaf, or even a quinoa salad for a nutritious side.
Can I grill the koftas in the oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the koftas on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
How can I adjust the spice level of the koftas?
Feel free to add more cumin or experiment with spices like paprika or chili powder to suit your taste. You can also serve extra spicy sauces on the side.
Don’t Miss These
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out these links:
Bring It to the Table
Now that you have all the tips and steps for creating the perfect Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce, it’s time to bring this delightful dish to your table. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, these koftas are sure to be a hit. With their vibrant flavors and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results!
Herby lamb koftas with yoghurt sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb mince, egg, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and onion. Add parsley, coriander, mint, and raisins. Mix until well combined.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Mix again until spices are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into oval or cylindrical patties or thread onto skewers. Aim for about 8-10 koftas.
- In a separate bowl, mix yoghurt, dried oregano, cumin, and lemon juice. Stir in chives or parsley, and season to taste.
- Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill. Cook koftas for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove koftas from grill, let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with lemon wedges, pita, salad, and drizzle with yoghurt sauce.
Notes
- Koftas can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
- For freezing, place koftas in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
