Meat & Game

Middle Eastern Style Lamb Kofta

Spiced lamb meatballs infused with cumin, coriander and fresh herbs, pan-fried until golden and served in soft flatbreads with tangy garlic yoghurt sauce.

By Ricky Robinson Updated August 30, 2023

Kofta is a flavourful meatball enjoyed across many cuisines, from the Balkans to the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It starts with minced meat that's mixed with wonderful spices and fresh herbs to create something truly satisfying.

While the traditional method involves shaping the mixture onto skewers and grilling over an open flame, you can achieve excellent results in a regular frying pan. If you can't find minced lamb locally, beef mince works perfectly well in this recipe without compromising on taste. The spices and aromatics are what really bring the dish to life.

The combination of cumin, coriander, allspice, and fresh mint creates a warm and aromatic flavour profile that works beautifully with the richness of the lamb. Mixing grated onion and garlic directly into the meat keeps the koftas moist and adds depth to every bite. The key is to handle the mixture gently so the cooked koftas stay tender rather than becoming dense.

Middle Eastern Style Lamb Kofta recipe image
Middle Eastern Style Lamb Kofta

Once cooked, the koftas are tucked into soft flatbread and topped with a tangy garlic yoghurt sauce made from Greek yoghurt, fresh lemon, and mint. The sauce cuts through the richness of the meat perfectly. Fresh tomatoes mixed with chopped parsley add a juicy, bright element, whilst shredded iceberg lettuce provides a satisfying crunch.

The tangy garlic yoghurt sauce is essential here, balancing the richness of the spiced lamb with bright, cooling flavour.

When you put all these components together, you get a wrap that delivers different flavours and textures in every bite. It's the kind of meal that feels both hearty and fresh at the same time.

Middle Eastern Style Lamb Kofta

Flatbread Garlic Lamb
Total Time 1 hr
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 cal
Protein 35g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Small Bowl
  • Greaseproof Paper
  • Large Frying Pan
  • Large Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Instructions

  1. 1
    Put all the kofta ingredients, apart from the oil, into a large bowl and gently mix everything together.
  2. 2
    Line a small baking sheet with greaseproof paper, then take a heaped tablespoon of the mixture into your hands and roll in to ball. Then shape the ball into something more similar toa small sausage, and finally slightly flatten each of the koftas to help them evenly cook. Transfer them onto the baking sheet as you go.
  3. 3
    Put the kofta into the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. They could be left over night if you are making ahead.
  4. 4
    To make the sauce, take a small bowl and stir the yogurt, garlic, lemon zest (and juice), salt and mint. Set aside.
  5. 5
    Mix the tomatoes and parsley together in a bowl and set aside.
  6. 6
    Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the kofta one by one and fry for 5 minutes over a high heat, then turn them over and fry for another 5 minutes till cooked all the way through.
  7. 7
    Place two or three kofta into each flat bread and generously pour over the garlic sauce. Garnish with tomatoes and iceberg lettuce.
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve in warm flatbreads with extra garlic yoghurt sauce, fresh tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Great with a side of hummus or tabbouleh.

Variations

Swap lamb for beef mince if preferred, or try using half lamb and half beef for a milder flavour. For extra heat, add more chili flakes to the mixture.

Middle Eastern Style Lamb Kofta recipe image

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