Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing

Lamb Koftas are a delicious and simple way to bring bold Middle Eastern flavors to your dinner table. These juicy meatballs are spiced just right and pair wonderfully with a refreshing yoghurt dressing, making them a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

This recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients, so you don’t need to be a professional chef to get fantastic results. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on its own, with rice, or inside pita bread.

Ingredients
– 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yoghurt
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

Method
1. Combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and spices in a large bowl. Mix well.
2. Shape the mixture into small oval koftas, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) each.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the koftas for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
5. Mix Greek yoghurt with lemon juice and chopped mint to make the dressing.
6. Serve the koftas hot with the yoghurt dressing on top or on the side.

Tips & Variations
– For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped coriander leaves or a pinch of cinnamon to the meat mixture.
– If you prefer, grill the koftas instead of pan-frying for a smoky taste.
– To make it lighter, use ground turkey or chicken instead of lamb.
– Add some chopped chili or hot sauce to the yoghurt dressing for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions
These lamb koftas go perfectly with warm pita bread, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or served over steamed rice or couscous. A simple side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad also complements this meal beautifully.