Lamb Kofta With Tzatziki (Printable Version)

Spiced lamb skewers grilled and matched with cool yogurt-cucumber tzatziki, bright herbs and lemon.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Lamb Kofta

01 - 500 g ground lamb
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
09 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
10 - ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - ½ tsp black pepper
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ For the Tzatziki

14 - 200 g Greek yogurt
15 - ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
19 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
20 - 1 tbsp olive oil
21 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ To Serve

22 - Lemon wedges
23 - Fresh parsley or mint leaves
24 - Flatbreads (optional, not gluten-free)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
02 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With damp hands, shape each portion around a metal or soaked wooden skewer into a long, oval sausage shape.
03 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
04 - Grill the kofta skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
05 - Meanwhile, make the tzatziki: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
06 - Serve the lamb kofta hot with tzatziki, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Optionally, add flatbreads on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This kofta is juicy and aromatic, yet simple enough for a weeknight feast—and I’ll confess, it’s even better cold from the fridge the next day.
  • Tzatziki brings just the right cooling contrast, and the whole dish transforms leftovers into something you look forward to finding again.
02 -
  • The one time I rushed and didn’t squeeze the cucumber, my tzatziki turned soupy and ran off the plate—don’t skip this step.
  • Letting the lamb mixture chill for half an hour before shaping makes a world of difference for flavor and ease—plus, your kitchen gets a moment to tidy itself.
03 -
  • If you overwork the meat, kofta can get tough; use a light touch and mix just until combined.
  • Making the tzatziki ahead gives the flavors time to mingle and become even more refreshing.
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