Name: Lamb Kofte Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground lamb; 1 small onion, finely grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying or grilling); 1 tbsp lemon juice (for serving); Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish (optional)

Description

Lamb Kofte is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made from ground lamb mixed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, shaped into patties or logs, and cooked to perfection by grilling or pan-frying. This recipe offers a delicious and versatile way to enjoy tender, spiced lamb with a hint of heat and freshness from parsley, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

1 lb (450g) ground lamb
1 small onion, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Cooking & Serving

1 tbsp olive oil (for frying or grilling)
1 tbsp lemon juice (for serving)
Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This helps achieve a nice sear and grill marks on the kofte.
Grill the Kofte: Place the shaped kofte (patties or logs) on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach about 160°F for safe consumption.
Pan-Fry Alternative: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kofte and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked inside. This method offers a nice caramelization if grilling is not an option.
Serve: Remove the kofte from heat and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to add freshness and brightness. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides or flatbread.

Notes

You can prepare the kofte mixture ahead of time and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld before cooking.
Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit it entirely for mild kofte.
The kofte can also be baked at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes if you prefer a hands-off cooking method.
Serve with yogurt sauce, tahini, or fresh salad to complement the rich flavors of lamb.
Ensure the kofte are cooked to a safe internal temperature to avoid undercooked lamb.