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Garlic Herb Lamb Kofta

Name: Garlic Herb Lamb Kofta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 lb ground lamb; 4 unit garlic cloves; 2 tbsp fresh parsley; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 0.5 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil

Craving bold flavors but too tired to prep a complex feast? These koftas are your shortcut to delicious.

Total: 27 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 12 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: easy
Calories: 70
Cost: $/serving

When you're exhausted but still want a dinner that feels like a culinary hug, these lamb koftas are the answer. They pack incredible flavor—think warm spices and fresh herbs—into simple, hand-formed meated rounds. They cook quickly in a skillet or the oven, making them perfect for those nights when 'easy' is the only requirement. You get that gourmet Mediterranean feel without the gourmet effort. Serve them with some pita, a dollop of yogurt, or just eat them straight off the plate while you unwind.

Ingredients

1.5 lb ground lamb
4 unit garlic cloves — minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley — finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
0.5 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Method

1 Preheat your oven to 400°F or prepare a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2 In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3 Mix with your hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Do not overwork the meat; just get it combined.
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4 Shape the mixture into 12-16 small oblong cylinders (koftas) or balls.
5 If using a skillet, heat the olive oil and sear the koftas for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through until browned and cooked through.
6 If baking, place on a lined sheet pan and roast for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Variations

Vegetarian Swap — Replace the ground lamb with a mixture of mashed chickpeas and crumbled firm tofu for a plant-based version.
Extra Zesty — Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the meat mixture if you prefer a kick of heat.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with a quick side of sliced cucumbers and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Equipment that helps

Large Mixing Bowl — Essential for combining and seasoning the meat without making a mess.
Cast Iron Skillet — Provides even heat for a perfect sear on the outside of the koftas.