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Grilled Lamb Kofte
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Grilled Lamb Kofte

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with these irresistible grilled lamb koftes. These exquisite morsels aren't merely crowd-pleasers - they deliver a symphony of flavours to delight your palate. Incorporating bread soda and finely ground almonds into this recipe may seem unorthodox, but it's the culinary secret that elevates these koftes to a new level. The unique combination binds the meatballs, giving a luscious and distinct texture sure to impress any discerning palate.
These koftes are a perfect choice for a special get-together or mid-week family dinner and since the sun is shining down us perfect for BBQ season.
This recipe was developed for Naturally Good Health Magazine. Available free in your local HF shop.
A Note on Lamb
I source my lamb from the wonderful Kilmullen Farm in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. Margaret Hoctor, who runs the farm, is an inspiring woman with many talents. Alongside farming, she is a life coach, mentor, trainer, facilitator as well as a keynote speaker at events across the country, championing women in business and agriculture.
Her lamb is ethically reared - the animals are free to graze and their welfare and diet are given the utmost care. The flavour is incredible - rich, tender and a real treat. I only buy Margaret’s lamb when it’s in season and available, because honestly, nothing else ever quite matches up. I’ve tried others, but they just don’t come close.
You will find Margaret at the Airfield Estate Farmers’ Market every Friday and Saturday from July to February, 9am to 2.30pm. You can also order online for home delivery.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine International, Mediterranean, Middle Eastren
Keyword Child Friendly, Dairy Free, Diabetic Friendly, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Gut health, Ketogenic, Low Carb
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine International, Mediterranean, Middle Eastren
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 500 g lamb mince
  • 10 g garlic finely chopped (2 cloves)
  • 100 g onion finely chopped (1 med)
  • 20 g ground almonds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds toasted and finely ground
  • 1 tsp bread soda bicarbonate of soda
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 10 g parsley finely chopped
  • 3 g dill ferns finely chopped
  • 3 g mint finely shredded
  • Season with salt when grilling

Instructions

  • Place all the above ingredients in a large bowl and mix well together. Cover and rest in fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Before you start making all the kofte, take a little piece of lamb and shape into a sausage the size of your index finger. Cook one before you shape anymore, to check if you need to adjust seasoning. Season the kofte with salt as it cooks on the BBQ or grill-pan.
  • When shaping the kofte have a little bowl of water next to you. Lightly dampen your hands and break the lamb mixture into walnut pieces. Roll each shape into a sausage, until you have shaped all your kofte.
  • Cook the kofte over a medium - high heat for 2-3 minutes each side, or until nicely charred and cooked through. Don’t forget to season with salt as you cook them.
  • Serve hot or at room temperature, with your choice of salad, creamy Greek yoghurt and some lemon or lime wedges on the side.

Maggie's Tips

  • Allergic to nuts: Replace nuts with breadcrumbs (GF if required)
  • These koftes can be made 1-2 days ahead and just lightly warmed up in oven when needed.
  • These koftes freeze really well
  • Incorporating bread soda and finely ground almonds into this recipe may seem unorthodox, but it's the culinary secret that elevates these koftes to a new level. The unique combination binds the meatballs, giving a luscious and distinct texture sure to impress any discerning palate.
Kofte Ideas:
1. Lamb Kofte Pita Pocket: Stuff the warmed kofte’s into wholemeal pitas bread with crunchy lettuce, chopped cucumber and sweet cherry tomatoes. Serve with Greek yoghurt for a classic Middle Eastern sandwich.
2. Lamb Kofte Meatballs: Shape the kofte mixture into small meatballs, brown on pan and simmer them in a tomato-based sauce for a comforting meatball casserole style dish. Serve with wholemeal rice or wholemeal pasta or GF pasta or quinoa or wholemeal cous cous or creamy mashed potatoes.
3. Middle Eastern Lamb Burgers: Shape the kofte into Middle Eastern lamb burgers by shaping into large patties. Grill on BBQ or char-pan.
4. Lamb Kofte Skewers: Thread the kofte onto skewers and BBQ or char- grill. Serve with a zesty yoghurt-tahini sauce and a side of grilled vegetables.
5. Lamb Kofte Salad: Toss warm sliced kofte over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette for a tasty light meal.
6. Lamb Kofte Tacos: Fill taco shells with warm crumbled kofte, shredded lettuce, spinach guacamole, spicy salsa, and a drizzle of yogurt. For a low-carb twist, swap taco shells for large lettuce leaves.
7. Mezze: This makes for a fantastic sharing mezze serving platter: Serve at room temperature alongside crusty sourdough bread, crispy iceberg lettuce, your favourite olives, homemade pesto, olive oil or aioli, plus fresh sweet tomatoes, marinated artichokes - and a glass of vino!
8. These koftes are ideal for picnics, canapé parties, or as a tasty addition to your lunchbox.