These lamb kofta (köfte) are an easy mix of lamb, herbs and a few spices. They have just enough seasoning to add that bit of something without taking over from the lamb's flavor. Serve with salad, in pita or however you like, they make a delicious meal.
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I've mentioned more than once that lamb is one of my favorite meats, and my elder son has adopted some of that. He's a big fan of braised lamb shanks and moussaka, but neither are exactly summer meals.
Unfortunately he finds steaks and chops a bit hard to chew, so is less in to things like my Greek marinated lamb (though all the more for us!), but I've been playing around with other options.
These kofta or kofte are something we all enjoyed and they're easy to make too.
What are kofte?
Kofte (köfte in Turkish, also spelt kofta in other places) are something you'll find in many countries around the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
Broadly-speaking they are a kind of burger or meatball. They come in many different forms, some highly spiced, others loaded with herbs and/or dried fruits, while others have very light seasoning.
Lamb is probably the most common meat used, but they are also made with beef or veal.
How to make these lamb kofta
This version is most like Turkish šiš köfte (shish kofte - 'meatballs on a stick' often cakked kofta kebabs), both in shape and flavors. Lebanese kofta are also similar.
These use relatively minimal seasoning so there's still plenty of lamb flavor in there, but the seasonings also add great additional flavor. Apart from grating the onion and mixing everything up, there is very little preparation work.
A couple tips:
- You really need to get your hands in there to mix up the meat, herbs and spices so everything is mixed well. However hard you try, with a spoon you'll get some bits with lots of spice and others with none.
- Leave the kofte to rest in the fridge a good 15-20 minutes before you cook them. This helps them firm up and hold together better when they cook.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste - these are the kind of thing where you'll have your own preference, so increase or decrease the herbs, garlic, coriander and cinnamon as you prefer. Add some cumin, chili or paprika if you like as well.
How to serve lamb kofte
These ground lamb skewers/meatballs are probably best known to be served kebab-style in pita or a bread wrap with some cacik (as I give the recipe for with my Persian marinated fish), red onion, tomato and parsley.
However we often have them with some cacik on the side and some fattoush or tabbouleh which is delicious. Serving them with other simple salads or grilled vegetables would also be good.
These lamb kofte are easy to make, cook up quickly and are full of delicious flavor. They're versatile in how you serve them so that they work for those that are lower carb, gluten free etc. So make a batch and enjoy!
Try these other grilled lamb recipes:
- Sosaties (South African curry-marinated lamb and apricot kebabs)
- Lamb burger with feta sauce and minted tomato salsa
- Greek marinated lamb (with lemon and herbs)
- Lamb shish kebabs (spice and yogurt marinated chunks of lamb)
- Plus get more seasonal ideas in the summer recipes archives.
Lamb kofta (köfte)
Ingredients
- ½ onion grated
- 2 cloves garlic crushed/finely grated
- 2 tablespoon mint finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
- 1 lb ground lamb lamb mince
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (optional, see notes)
Instructions
- Soak 4 wooden skewers a little ahead of time, if using, or use metal skewers.
- Grate the onion, grate or crush the garlic and finely chop the mint and parsley (note quantity is after chopping).
- Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well - I'd recommend using your hands and really knead the mixture kind of squeezing it to get all the ingredients well mixed.
- Divide the mixture in to four and press each quarter into a sausage shape (it doesn't have to be as long as you will want yet). Push each sausage shaped kofte on to a skewer and spread it along the skewer a bit so it thins out a little more. Put the kofte on a tray or plate and refrigerate for around 20 minutes or so to firm up a little.
- Heat the grill to a medium heat and cook the kofte a few minutes each side until lightly charred and the meat is cooked through. Alternatively, you can cook them under a broiler (grill).
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Elena
made this for dinner last night and my husband and I both loved it. Although, I baked the meat "patties" in the oven, instead of skewing and grilling.
Caroline's Cooking
Great, glad you enjoyed! And yes the oven (or cooked in a skillet) works well as an alternative to grilling. The flavors are great whichever way.
Moiraanna
Hi. I liked the recipe. Tried it as is first, but will add allspice & a little more mint next time. There will be many more times.
Caroline's Cooking
Glad to hear you enjoyed! And yes, you can certainly adapt the spices/herbs to taste, too.
Lisa
I've never made kofte before, but since we love lamb, I really want to try this recipe. I think it would be great with a cooling, garlicky tzatziki. Putting it on a fresh pita sounds like the way to go -- have you ever made pita before? Looking for a good recipe for that too!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, you should definitely give them a try! And yes great with tzatziki/cacik and pita. I have made pita a few times using a general bread dough but think I need to play around a little more, for sure.
Kelsey
What a great lamb dish! I have to try this out very soon! I have been wanting to change up the normal dinners!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it's a great way to change things up, for sure!
christine
I've wanted to try my hand at these. I'm so glad to have stumbled upon this recipe, it seems perfect for us.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, hope you enjoy!
Danielle
These look amazing! A new way to use lamb that I never thought of before!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it's a delicious way to enjoy it.
Dana
I've never eaten lamb before but I bet it tastes wonderful... the list of ingredients are right up my alley!
Caroline's Cooking
This is definitely a great introduction, especially if the seasoning is one you'd go for. Hope you give it a try!
Sharon
I love lamb and these look so good! The perfect use of lamb for the summertime.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, indeed they're such a great summer meal.