If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make lamb recipe, look no further than kofta. Kofta is a Middle Eastern dish made with ground meat and spices, shaped into balls or patties and grilled or cooked in a sauce. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course or snack. In this recipe, we will be making lamb kofta, which is particularly flavorful and perfect for those who enjoy the taste of lamb.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make lamb kofta: - 1 lb. ground lamb - 1 medium onion, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup chopped parsley - 1/4 cup chopped mint - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt and black pepper until well combined. 2. Add the breadcrumbs and beaten egg to the bowl and mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed. 3. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, depending on your preference. 4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. 5. When the oil is hot, add the kofta balls or patties to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. 6. Serve the lamb kofta hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or hummus.
Nutrition
Here is the nutritional information for one serving (4 kofta patties): - Calories: 340 - Fat: 23g - Saturated Fat: 9g - Cholesterol: 132mg - Sodium: 480mg - Carbohydrates: 7g - Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 1g - Protein: 26g
Variations
There are many variations of kofta, so feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to find your favorite. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Use ground beef or chicken instead of lamb. - Add chopped onion, tomato and bell pepper to the kofta mixture for a more colorful and flavorful dish. - Serve the kofta with a side of rice or pita bread for a more filling meal. - Make a tomato-based sauce to serve the kofta in, such as a spiced tomato sauce or a creamy tomato sauce. - Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top of the kofta for added creaminess.
Tips
- Grate the onion instead of finely chopping it to help keep the kofta moist and tender. - Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead, but use half the amount called for in the recipe. - Don't overcook the kofta or it will become dry and tough. Cook it until it is browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. - If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
Conclusion
Kofta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. This lamb kofta recipe is particularly flavorful and can be served as an appetizer, main course or snack. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself how tasty and easy it is to make!