Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt (Printer-Friendly)

Spiced lamb koftas served with a fresh yoghurt dressing and vibrant cabbage-mint salad.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Koftas

01 - 1 lb ground lamb
02 - 1/2 medium onion, grated
03 - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 2 cloves garlic, crushed
05 - 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

→ Kofta Spices

06 - 2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 2 tsp ground coriander
08 - 2 tsp paprika
09 - 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
10 - 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
11 - 1 tsp kosher salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Yogurt Sauce

13 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
14 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
15 - 1 clove garlic, crushed
16 - 1 tsp ground cumin
17 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
18 - 1/4 tsp salt
19 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ To Serve

20 - 8 skewers (wooden or metal)
21 - 8 small flatbreads or 4 large, warmed
22 - Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and fresh mint salad or shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine all yogurt sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to develop flavors, preferably overnight.
02 - Grate the onion directly into a mixing bowl. Add lamb, breadcrumbs, garlic, chopped coriander, and all kofta spices. Mix thoroughly with clean hands until well combined.
03 - Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then divide the mixture evenly into eight portions. Shape each portion smoothly or with a slightly textured surface and thread onto skewers.
04 - Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas in batches for a total of 5 minutes, turning regularly to ensure even browning.
05 - For barbecue, grill on medium-high heat approximately 6 minutes, turning to brown evenly. For broiler, place koftas about 10 inches from the heat and cook for 12 minutes, rotating as needed.
06 - Create a DIY spread: warm flatbreads, spread with yogurt sauce, add the shredded cabbage salad or alternative salad, place the koftas inside, drizzle more yogurt sauce on top, and enjoy.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
02 - Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, fluffier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
03 - Koftas can be shaped as smooth cylinders on skewers or formed into football or ball shapes without skewers.