If you are looking for something a little different to do with your minced lamb other than Shepherd's Pie then take a look at this recipe for Minted Lamb koftas, some people call them kebabs.
What ever you call them these lamb koftas taste delicious and are ideal as a starter or a great idea to put on the BBQ this summer.
I like to serve these Lamb Koftas with a Yogurt and Mint dip and maybe some Homemade Coleslaw.
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Historys of the Lamb Kofta
The history of lamb kofta can be traced back to ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures where the practice of spicing and grilling minced meat was prevalent.
This dish, which typically consists of ground lamb mixed with an array of herbs and spices, has been a staple in many cuisines, particularly in countries such as Turkey, Greece, and India.
The word "kofta" itself is derived from the Persian term "kufta," meaning "to grind," which reflects the method of preparation that involves finely chopping or grinding the meat. Over centuries, kofta has evolved, with regional variations emerging that incorporate local ingredients and culinary traditions. In the Levant, for instance, kofta is often shaped into skewers and grilled, while in South Asia, it may be cooked in rich, spiced gravies.
The dish not only showcases the versatility of lamb but also highlights the cultural exchanges that have occurred through trade and migration, making lamb kofta a beloved dish that continues to be enjoyed worldwide today.
Lamb kofta is a traditional dish that originates from Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, characterized by its flavorful minced meat preparation.
Typically made from ground lamb mixed with a variety of spices, herbs, and sometimes onions or garlic, kofta is shaped into small balls or elongated patties before being grilled, baked, or fried. The spices used in lamb kofta can vary widely, but common ingredients include cumin, coriander, paprika, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint, which contribute to its aromatic profile.
This dish is often served with accompaniments such as yogurt sauce, flatbreads, or rice, making it a versatile option for both casual meals and festive occasions. The rich, savoury taste of lamb kofta, combined with its tender texture, has made it a favourite choice in many cuisines.
500 g Minced Lamb
1 Red onion
10 g Fresh Mint
1 teaspoon of Lazy garlic / 2 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
1 teaspoon of Thyme
1 pinch of Chilli Flakes
30 g Butter
2 desert spoons of natural plain yogurt
1 teaspoon of mint sauce.
Egg freeNut free
Nutrition:
This is based on a single kebab
30g portion
Calories: 73
Protein: 6.1g
Fat: 4.8g
Carbohydrates: 1.3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 0.2g
Low sugarHigh proten
Cost to make:
£7.52 / $9.52 (Est.)
*Prices may vary.
Cooking Instructions
Put the minced Lamb into a large mixing bowl , and crunch it up with your hands.
Add the diced up onion , Garlic , Thyme , Ginger , Chilli flakes & chopped up Mint to the meat.
Combine all the ingredients with your hands until the lamb mince and all of the ingredients are evenly mixed in.
You should get about 10 4" kebabs out of this mix , so divide the meat up into balls.
On a floured surface, roll each ball into a sausage that is 4" long. Skewer the sausage with a wooden kebab stick that is about 8" long. Set each Kebab aside.
When all kebabs are done , refrigerate them for a minimum of 30 minutes.
To cook the kebabs
In a griddle pan melt the butter , then cook the kebabs , turning every 2 minutes until cooked all over.
In a ramekin mix up 2 desert spoons of plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon of mint sauce.
When the kebabs are cooked , place on some kitchen roll to drain , then serve with the sauce.
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Chefs Tips
Make a nice yogurt & mint dip and these are great for a BBQ snack.
Variations
You can replace the fresh mint with ready-made mint sauce.Fresh Mint 💬
Mint Sauce
You can use a flavoured yogurt such as coconut yogurt to add a different flavour to this recipe.Plain Yogurt 💬
Cuisine:Asian
