Lamb Koftas Yoghurt Dressing (Printer-Friendly)

Tender lamb koftas spiced with cumin and cinnamon, served with a cool, lemony yoghurt dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Koftas

01 - 1 lb ground lamb
02 - 1/2 medium onion, grated
03 - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 2 cloves garlic, crushed
05 - 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

→ Kofta Spices

06 - 2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 2 tsp ground coriander
08 - 2 tsp paprika
09 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
10 - 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
11 - 1 tsp kosher salt
12 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

→ Yogurt Sauce

13 - 1 cup Greek yogurt or thick plain yogurt
14 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
15 - 1 clove garlic, crushed
16 - 1 tsp ground cumin
17 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
18 - 1/4 tsp salt
19 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ To Serve

20 - 8 skewers (optional; soak wooden or bamboo skewers if grilling)
21 - 8 small flatbreads or 4 large ones, warmed
22 - Shredded red cabbage, carrot, and mint salad or shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion slices

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine yogurt, olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, preferably overnight.
02 - Grate the onion directly into a mixing bowl. Add ground lamb, panko breadcrumbs, crushed garlic, chopped coriander, and all kofta spices. Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined.
03 - With damp hands, divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion around skewers into smooth or textured cylinders as preferred.
04 - Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook koftas in batches for a total of 5 minutes, turning regularly to achieve even browning.
05 - For grilling, cook over medium-high heat on a BBQ for approximately 6 minutes, rotating to brown all sides. Under broiler, position 10 inches from heat source and cook for 12 minutes, turning as needed until lightly browned.
06 - Create a DIY spread by arranging koftas, flatbreads, yogurt sauce, and salad on a platter. Serve by spreading yogurt sauce on flatbread, topping with salad and kofta, then drizzling additional yogurt sauce.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
02 - Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on desired spice level.
03 - Koftas can be shaped in various forms without skewers; experiment with balls or cylinders.
04 - This recipe pairs well with rice pilaf or a minted cabbage salad.

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