Lamb Kofta with Fresh Pita and Tzatziki Recipe

This lamb kofta with fresh pita and tzatziki recipe brings together juicy harissa-spiced lamb, pillowy homemade pita, cool cucumber yogurt sauce, crumbled feta, red onion, and fresh herbs for a bold Mediterranean-inspired meal. Featured on Bring on the Karbs! with Josh and Erica Karbelnik, this recipe combines grilled kofta, fresh bread, and creamy tzatziki into a generous, satisfying dish that is perfect for sharing.

Improvised during the episode “Soup and Sandwich,” this recipe celebrates the joy of building a complete meal from scratch. From mixing the kofta to rolling the pita and spooning on the tzatziki, every element adds texture, aroma, and big flavour.

The Inspiration

Lamb kofta is a beloved dish across many Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, North African, and Balkan-inspired cuisines. Traditionally made with ground or minced meat, herbs, spices, and aromatics, kofta can be shaped into patties, meatballs, or logs around skewers before being grilled or pan-seared. This version leans into bold, fresh, and spicy flavours by combining ground lamb with grated onion, garlic, cilantro, mint, panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and harissa paste. The result is a juicy, aromatic kofta with a gentle heat and deep savoury richness.

As with all recipes featured in this episode of Bring on the Karbs!, this dish was improvised by Josh and Erica Karbelnik. The version below is an approximation of what unfolded during the episode, designed to help home cooks recreate the flavours while still embracing experimentation. Individual results may vary, and that is part of the appeal. This recipe encourages you to cook with your senses: feel the dough, smell the lamb as it grills, taste the tzatziki, and build each serving with confidence.

Ingredients

Kofta

1 lb (500 grams) lamb mince (or ground lamb)
1/2 onion grated
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic grated
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped mint
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons harissa paste

Tzatziki

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 English cucumber grated
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 clove garlic grated
2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh Pita

1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat)

Garnish

English cucumber ribbons
Crumbled Macedonian feta cheese
Sliced red onion

Method

Make the Kofta

Mix ingredients in a bowl until well incorporated, but do not overmix.
Form koftas into a log shape around a skewer.
Place on a pre-heated grill pan or grill.
Cook until desired doneness.

Make the Tzatziki

Combine all ingredients and mix.

Make the Pita

In a bowl, combine flour and yogurt until a dough has formed.
Portion your dough into 6-8 balls.
Flour your surface and roll each ball into a flat disc.
Place in a hot, dry cast iron pan over heat and cook on both sides until pita becomes fluffy and bubbly.
Garnish with cucumber, feta cheese, and red onion.

Serving Suggestions

This lamb kofta with fresh pita and tzatziki recipe is ideal for a lively dinner party, a weekend grilling meal, a family-style spread, or a Mediterranean-inspired feast where guests can assemble their own plates.

Serve the warm pita in a stack beside the grilled kofta, with a generous bowl of tzatziki, cucumber ribbons, crumbled Macedonian feta, and sliced red onion arranged on the table for easy sharing.

For drinks, consider sparkling water with citrus, mint lemonade, a crisp white wine, a light rosé, or a cold lager to balance the richness of the lamb and the heat of the harissa. Because the dish has warm bread, smoky meat, creamy sauce, salty cheese, and fresh vegetables, it works especially well as a complete meal that feels abundant without needing too many extra sides.

Final Thoughts

This lamb kofta with fresh pita and tzatziki recipe is a flavourful celebration of grilled lamb, homemade bread, cooling yogurt sauce, and fresh Mediterranean-inspired garnishes. It stands out because every component is made with purpose: the kofta is juicy and aromatic, the pita is warm and fluffy, the tzatziki is creamy and refreshing, and the garnishes add brightness, salt, crunch, and colour. Together, they create a meal that is hearty, vibrant, and perfect for sharing.

Find more recipes from Bring on the Karbs! here!