Introduction
Koftas are an enticing dish of Middle Eastern origin that made their way into various cuisines worldwide. These flavorful meatballs are typically made from ground lamb, spiced to perfection, and grilled or cooked to create a juicy, aromatic treat. Often served with a refreshing yogurt sauce and various accompaniments, koftas make for an excellent family meal or a delightful dish for gatherings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Koftas
1 lb / 500 g lamb mince (ground lamb)
1/2 onion, grated
1/4 cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
Kofta Spices
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp coriander
2 tsp paprika
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (this is a bit spicy, reduce to taste or leave out)
1 tsp cooking / kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Yoghurt Sauce
1 cup yogurt, Greek or other thick plain
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt and pepper, each
To Serve
8 skewers
8 flatbreads (small) or 4 large, warmed (homemade or bought)
Shredded Red Cabbage, Carrot and Mint Salad
OR shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes for grilling or broiling
Total Time: 32 minutes (including prep)
Yield: 8 servings
Koftas are not only delicious but also versatile. Pair them with various salads or dips according to your preference to create a meal that suits your taste!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Yogurt Sauce Preparation
Combine the yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld (overnight yields even better flavor).
Kofta Mixture
Grate the onion using a standard box grater into a large mixing bowl. Add the lamb mince, breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, chopped coriander, cumin, coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Shaping the Koftas
With damp hands, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer, ensuring they are evenly packed and either smooth or slightly nubbly for increased browning.
Cooking the Koftas on Stove
Preheat half a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas in batches for a total of 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are browned evenly on all sides.
Cooking the Koftas on BBQ
Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat. Grill the koftas for about 6 minutes, rotating them occasionally to achieve even browning.
Cooking the Koftas in Broiler/Oven
Preheat the broiler and set the rack 30cm/10 inches from the heat source. Cook the koftas for approximately 12 minutes, rotating them as needed until lightly browned; note that browning may not be as pronounced as with stove or BBQ methods.
Serving the Koftas
Create a DIY spread by arranging the koftas, yogurt sauce, flatbreads, and the shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad (or shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices) on a large platter, allowing everyone to serve themselves. To serve, take a flatbread, smear it with yogurt sauce, top with the salad, add a kofta, and drizzle more yogurt sauce before enjoying.
Notes
Note 1
Use 8 skewers for shaping the koftas, preferably metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning.
Note 2
Choose between small flatbreads (8) or large flatbreads (4), which can be homemade or store-bought. Ensure they are warmed prior to serving.
Note 3
Consider serving the koftas with a shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad or with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and onion for a fresh accompaniment.
Cook techniques
Grating Onion
Grating the onion ensures it incorporates well into the lamb mixture, adding moisture and flavor to the koftas.
Mixing Ingredients
Use your hands to thoroughly mix the lamb, grated onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, coriander, and spices. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the mixture.
Shaping Koftas
With damp hands, form the meat mixture into 8 equal pieces and mold them onto skewers. The shape can be smooth for presentation or slightly nubbly for better browning.
Cooking on the Stove
Preheat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas in batches for about 5 minutes, turning them to brown evenly.
BBQ Cooking
Grill the koftas on medium-high heat for about 6 minutes, turning them frequently to achieve an even char and ensure they are cooked through.
Broiling in the Oven
Preheat the broiler and place the koftas about 30cm from the heat source. Cook for 12 minutes, rotating as needed until they are lightly browned.
FAQ
Can I use beef or chicken instead of lamb?
Yes, you can substitute lamb with ground beef or chicken, though the flavor profile will be different.
What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give a lighter texture to the koftas.
How can I make the yogurt sauce spicier?
You can add more crushed garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the yogurt sauce for an extra kick.
Can I prep the koftas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the koftas and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
What are some good side dishes to serve with koftas?
Consider serving koftas with a salad, flatbreads, and a yogurt sauce, or try tabbouleh or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The kofta recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic dish for gatherings or family meals. With the aromatic spices and creamy yogurt sauce, each bite is packed with warmth and freshness. Serve it up with a variety of accompaniments for a truly satisfying experience.
Kofta Wraps
Use the koftas in a wrap with your favorite sauces, fresh vegetables, and herbs for a portable meal.
Bowl Meal
Create a delicious bowl with koftas, quinoa or rice, topped with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and any seasonal vegetables.
Kofta Pizza
Use kofta as a unique topping for homemade or store-bought pizza, alongside tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix cooked rice with kofta mixture and fill halved bell peppers. Bake until peppers are tender and serve with a side salad.
Spiced Lentil Salad
Serve koftas alongside a warm lentil salad spiced with cumin, coriander, and garnished with fresh herbs for a nutritious meal.
Kofta Meatballs
Shape the meat mixture into smaller meatballs and serve with pasta and a rich tomato sauce for a Middle Eastern twist on spaghetti and meatballs.
