Most Flavorful Lamb Koftas with Herbed Yogurt Sauce

Lots of parties will have the usual meatballs, but you can try these grilled lamb koftas as a delicious alternative. Lamb has a more robust flavor than beef. It has a deep flavor of the forest. It can withstand some bold flavors. These koftas are full of seasonings but they all balance out for a great appetizer. I've paired it with a creamy yogurt dip.

I originally had these koftas as an appetizer for a dinner party. But these could be a great entree paired with couscous and Za'atar green beans. I've been enjoying lamb lately and there are just so many ways to enjoy lamb that I don't think I'll be slowing down anytime soon.

I grilled these skewers of flavorful ground meat. The lamb is seasoned with fresh herbs: mint, dill, parsley and cilantro. We also add in cumin, cinnamon, ground coriander and smoked paprika. These combinations are anything but boring. You will be happy that you put these tasty combinations together. I often dance when the food is good. This is one of those dishes where I put a little extra 2-step in my happy dance.

This flavorful meat is grilled on skewers for some extra fun. They are served with a herbed yogurt sauce for balance. Make sure you soak your skewers for a couple of hours before grilling them. This prevents them from burning when you are grilling them.

Lamb Kofta with Herbed Yogurt Sauce

Serves 6

Ingredients

Herbed Yogurt Sauce

1 Cup Non-fat Greek Yogurt

2 Tbsp Cilantro, minced

2 Tbsp Dill, minced

1 Tbsp Mint, minced

1 Tbsp Parsley, minced

2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Zest of 1 Lemon

Salt & Pepper to Taste

Lamb Kofta

2 lbs Ground Lamb

4 Cloves Garlic, minced

1 Tbsp Ground Coriander

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1 Tbsp Cumin

1 tsp Smoked Paprika

1 Onion, small diced or grated

Wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 2 hours

Steps

1. Combine all ingredients for yogurt sauce and mix well. Sauce can me made 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

2. Combine all ingredients for koftas. Gently mix ingredients together. Be sure not to over mix ingredients or meat will be tough. Just mix until ingredients are combined.

3. Take about 2 - 3 Tbsp of meat mixture and wrap on a soaked skewer into a cylinder shape. Continue to make skewers until you have used all the meat.

4. Heat grill on medium-high heat. You can either oil the grates with a neutral oil or a grilling spray to prevent the koftas from sticking to the grill.

5. Heat the koftas for 4 - 5 minutes to per side.

6. Enjoy and serve with herbed yogurt sauce!