Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce is a savory and flavorful dish that combines tender spiced lamb meatballs with a refreshing and creamy yogurt sauce. This dish brings together rich, aromatic spices from the lamb kofta, perfectly complemented by the cool, tangy cucumber yogurt sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or as a healthy, satisfying meal on a warm day, Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce is a dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

This recipe guides you through each step to create juicy, well-seasoned lamb koftas, paired with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce that adds a burst of coolness to the warm, spiced meatballs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is easy to prepare, and the results are always delicious.

Why You’ll Love Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

• Deliciously Spiced Lamb: The lamb koftas are seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and garlic, giving them a savory, aromatic depth that complements the richness of the lamb.
• Cool and Creamy Sauce: The cucumber yogurt sauce, with its tangy yogurt base and crisp cucumber, provides a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced koftas, making the dish well-balanced and refreshing.
• Perfect Textures: The lamb koftas are tender and juicy on the inside, while the cucumber yogurt sauce is smooth and creamy, adding a refreshing crunch from the cucumber.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a few basic ingredients like ground lamb, herbs, spices, and yogurt to create a flavorful, satisfying dish.
• Versatile Meal: Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce can be served in various ways—on a platter with pita, over a bed of rice, or even as an appetizer for a gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (8-10 koftas)
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Lamb Kofta:

• 1 ½ pounds ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes (for added heat)

For the Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or any thick yogurt)
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Lamb Kofta Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper. If you like a little heat, you can also add chili flakes to the mixture.

Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. Make sure the spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. The key to great koftas is ensuring the mixture is well-seasoned and fragrant before shaping the meat.

2. Shape the Koftas

Once the meat mixture is ready, wet your hands slightly with water to prevent the meat from sticking. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball, then gently roll it between your palms to form a tight oval or cylindrical shape. Repeat with the remaining mixture, forming about 8-10 koftas, depending on your preferred size.

If you have time, you can refrigerate the shaped koftas for 15-20 minutes. Chilling the koftas helps them hold their shape better during cooking.

3. Prepare the Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

While the koftas are chilling, prepare the cucumber yogurt sauce. Start by grating the cucumber using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth and gently squeeze out the excess liquid. This step is essential to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

In a medium bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, chopped dill (optional), lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed. The yogurt sauce should be creamy, tangy, and refreshing with a slight crunch from the cucumber. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve, as the cold sauce enhances the flavors.

4. Cook the Lamb Koftas

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb koftas to the pan. Cook the koftas for 3-4 minutes per side, turning them gently with tongs or a spatula, until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature of the koftas should reach 160°F (71°C).

If you prefer grilling, you can also cook the koftas on a preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and nicely charred.

5. Serve the Lamb Koftas

Once the koftas are cooked, remove them from the skillet or grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the koftas stay moist.

Serve the lamb koftas with the cucumber yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle the sauce over the koftas. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. You can serve the koftas with warm pita bread, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add a burst of flavor and freshness to the lamb koftas. Be sure to finely chop the herbs so they distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
• Avoid Overmixing the Meat: When combining the lamb with the spices, avoid overmixing as it can make the koftas tough. Gently incorporate the ingredients so the meat stays tender.
• Grill for Extra Flavor: Grilling the koftas adds a smoky, charred flavor that complements the spices beautifully. If you have access to a grill, consider using it instead of pan-frying the koftas.
• Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the kofta mixture according to your personal taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili flakes or ground cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of cumin and cinnamon.
• Chill the Koftas Before Cooking: Chilling the koftas before cooking helps them keep their shape and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
• Draining the Cucumber: Make sure to drain the cucumber thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the yogurt sauce. This will keep the sauce thick and creamy.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the kofta mixture and shape the koftas a day ahead of time. Keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to cook. You can also make the cucumber yogurt sauce in advance and refrigerate it until serving.

Variations of Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

• Beef Kofta: Swap out the lamb for ground beef to create a beef version of the koftas. The spices and cucumber yogurt sauce still pair wonderfully with the beef.
• Vegetarian Kofta: For a vegetarian version, use mashed chickpeas or lentils instead of ground meat. You can add grated vegetables like zucchini or carrot to the mixture for extra texture.
• Spicy Lamb Kofta: Add more heat to the lamb koftas by incorporating finely chopped green chilies or a teaspoon of ground chili powder into the meat mixture.
• Tzatziki Sauce: If you prefer a more traditional sauce, you can substitute the cucumber yogurt sauce with a classic tzatziki sauce made with mint, garlic, and extra lemon juice.

Storage and Shelf Life

Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. After cooking, allow the koftas to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The cucumber yogurt sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If the sauce becomes too watery over time, simply stir it before serving.

To freeze the koftas, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the koftas to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the koftas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

• Warm Pita Bread: Serve the lamb koftas with warm, fluffy pita bread for dipping into the yogurt sauce and enjoying alongside the flavorful meat.
• Couscous or Rice: A side of couscous or basmati rice makes a great base for the koftas, allowing you to enjoy the full flavors of the lamb and yogurt sauce.
• Greek Salad: A fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese complements the richness of the lamb koftas and provides a nice contrast to the creamy yogurt sauce.
• Pickled Vegetables: Serve the koftas with pickled vegetables like pickled onions or carrots for a tangy, crunchy side that cuts through the richness of the dish.

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Conclusion

Lamb Kofta with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the warmth of spiced lamb and the coolness of a refreshing yogurt sauce. Whether served with pita bread, rice, or salad, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to entertaining guests. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a meal that is both delicious and impressive. Enjoy the rich, tender koftas paired with the creamy cucumber yogurt sauce for a delightful culinary experience!