Lamb Kofta With Tzatziki (Printable)

Juicy spiced lamb skewers grilled and served with creamy cucumber-dill tzatziki and fresh herbs.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Lamb Kofta

01 - 500 g ground lamb
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
09 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
10 - ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - ½ tsp black pepper
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ For the Tzatziki

14 - 200 g Greek yogurt
15 - ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
19 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
20 - 1 tbsp olive oil
21 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ To Serve

22 - Lemon wedges
23 - Fresh parsley or mint leaves
24 - Flatbreads (optional, not gluten-free)

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
02 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With damp hands, shape each portion around a metal or soaked wooden skewer into a long, oval sausage shape.
03 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
04 - Grill the kofta skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
05 - Meanwhile, make the tzatziki: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
06 - Serve the lamb kofta hot with tzatziki, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Optionally, add flatbreads on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get juicy, smoky lamb with cool, herby tzatziki in every bite: it’s a flavor contrast that never gets old.
  • This recipe is shockingly doable, even on a weeknight, and always looks impressive on the table.
02 -
  • If you skip squeezing water from the cucumber, your tzatziki will slide right off the lamb.
  • Chilling the kofta mix for a few minutes makes them easier to shape and helps them stay put on the skewer.
03 -
  • Metal skewers make for easier flipping and no splinter worries.
  • A tiny bit of cinnamon goes a long way – go light or it will overpower the lamb.
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