Lamb Kofta Recipe

Experience the bold flavors of Mediterranean cooking with this Lamb Kofta recipe, featuring tender ground lamb blended with fragrant spices, fresh cilantro, and savory seasonings before being grilled to perfection on skewers. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, these homemade kofta skewers are a delicious way to bring authentic Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine straight to your table.

The Inspiration

Kofta is a beloved dish found throughout the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia, and North Africa, with countless regional variations that showcase local ingredients and culinary traditions. The name “kofta” refers to seasoned ground meat that is shaped into balls, patties, or elongated skewers before being cooked. While recipes differ from country to country, the heart of kofta remains the same: flavorful meat combined with aromatic spices and herbs.

This Lamb Kofta recipe draws inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern grilling techniques, where skewered meats are commonly prepared over open flames and served as part of generous shared meals. Lamb is especially popular in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines because of its rich flavor and ability to pair beautifully with warm spices.

On Feed My Soul… V!, Vanessa Gianfrancesco celebrates food that connects people and highlights the joy of preparing meals from different cultures. This kofta recipe perfectly reflects that approach by transforming humble ingredients into a dish that feels special enough for entertaining while remaining simple enough for home cooks to recreate.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground lamb
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) chopped cilantro
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) onion powder
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil, for grilling

Special Equipment:

• Long wooden skewers, soaked

Method

• Preheat the grill to medium-high.
• In a large bowl combine the lamb, egg, cilantro, onion powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
• Divide the mixture into 6 portions, roughly 4-ounces (113 g) each. Shape the portions into long, thick sausages. Insert a skewer through each kofta and squeeze the meat onto the skewer. They should be roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick.
• Brush the koftas with oil.
• Place the koftas on the grill and cook for 12-14 minutes, turning halfway.
• Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This Lamb Kofta recipe is perfect for creating a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. Serve the grilled skewers with warm pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, or a refreshing yogurt-based sauce for a traditional mezze experience. The smoky, spiced lamb pairs beautifully with fresh salads and creamy dips, creating a balanced meal filled with contrasting flavors and textures.

For a family dinner, serve kofta alongside roasted vegetables, seasoned rice, couscous, or grilled flatbread. The flavorful lamb also works wonderfully as part of a larger barbecue spread, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings, outdoor parties, and celebrations. Arrange the skewers on a large platter with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and colorful vegetables to create an impressive presentation.

For beverages, lamb kofta pairs well with refreshing drinks such as mint lemonade, sparkling water with citrus, iced tea, or a crisp white wine. These lighter pairings complement the warm spices and grilled flavors while keeping the meal fresh and balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Lamb Kofta Recipe is a celebration of Mediterranean grilling traditions, bringing together tender lamb, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs to create a dish that is bold, comforting, and unforgettable. With its juicy texture, smoky grilled flavor, and perfectly balanced seasoning, kofta proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.

Find more recipes from Feed my Soul, V! here!

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