Herbed Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Creamy Mint Yogurt and Cumin-Spiced Carrot Salad
Experience a delightful combination of flavors with these Herbed Lamb Kofta Kebabs, inspired by a classic Rick Stein recipe. This dish features juicy ground lamb, blended with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and rich garlic, all painstakingly molded into skewers and grilled to perfection. Served alongside a refreshing, creamy minted yogurt and a vibrant salad of shredded carrot and turnip seasoned with toasty cumin, this meal is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Ideal for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the warm tastes of Turkish cuisine right to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground lamb
500 g (none)
onion
1 (finely grated)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
dried chili pepper flakes
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (to brush)
ripe tomatoes
4 (thinly sliced)
natural Greek yogurt
200 g (none)
fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
large carrot
1 (peeled and shredded)
turnip
1 (peeled and shredded)
sunflower oil
1 tablespoon (to mix with salad)
cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (toasted)
lemon
1 (juice of)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground lamb, finely grated onion, crushed garlic, dried chili flakes, and chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix well using your hands, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Mould each portion around a soaked skewer, shaping them into sausage-like koftas. Place the skewers in the refrigerator and let them chill for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
4
While the koftas chill, prepare the minted yogurt. In a small bowl, combine the natural Greek yogurt with the chopped fresh mint, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
5
For the carrot and cumin salad, peel and shred both the carrot and turnip using a food processor. Transfer the shredded vegetables into a mixing bowl, add the sunflower oil, toasted cumin seeds, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss thoroughly to combine.
6
When ready to cook, remove the koftas from the refrigerator. Brush each kofta generously with olive oil. Preheat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface.
7
Cook the koftas in batches, frying each for about 5 minutes, turning until they are browned all over and cooked through.
8
To serve, layer thinly sliced ripe tomatoes on each plate, followed by the carrot and turnip salad, and then place the grilled koftas on top. Serve with a generous dollop of the minted yogurt on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herbed Lamb Kofta Kebabs?
They are juicy ground lamb skewers blended with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and garlic, inspired by Turkish cuisine.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 500g of lean ground lamb.
Who inspired this recipe?
This dish is inspired by a classic recipe from Rick Stein.
How should I prepare wooden skewers for grilling?
Soak the wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during the grilling process.
What ingredients are needed for the kofta mixture?
The mixture includes lean ground lamb, finely grated onion, crushed garlic, dried chili flakes, chopped flat leaf parsley, salt, and pepper.
How should the onion be prepared for the meat?
The onion should be finely grated before being added to the lamb mixture.
Is there a chilling time required for the koftas?
Yes, the molded koftas should chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
How many koftas does this recipe make?
The lamb mixture is divided into 8 equal portions to create 8 kofta kebabs.
What shape should the koftas be?
The meat should be molded around the skewers into sausage-like shapes.
What ingredients are in the creamy mint yogurt?
The sauce is made by combining natural Greek yogurt with chopped fresh mint, salt, and pepper.
What vegetables are featured in the salad?
The salad consists of shredded large carrot and turnip, served with thinly sliced ripe tomatoes.
How do you prepare the vegetables for the salad?
Peel the carrot and turnip and then shred them using a food processor.
What dressing is used for the carrot and turnip salad?
The salad is tossed with sunflower oil, toasted cumin seeds, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What kind of oil should be used to brush the koftas?
Brush the koftas generously with olive oil before cooking.
How long should the koftas be cooked on the griddle?
Cook the koftas for about 5 minutes, turning them until they are browned all over and cooked through.
What heat setting is recommended for frying the koftas?
Preheat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
How are the tomatoes prepared for serving?
The four ripe tomatoes should be thinly sliced and layered on the plate.
What is the recommended plating order?
Layer sliced tomatoes first, followed by the carrot and turnip salad, then place the grilled koftas on top.
How is the minted yogurt served?
It is served as a generous dollop on the side for dipping the kebabs.
What fresh herbs are needed for the entire recipe?
You will need flat leaf parsley for the meat and fresh mint for the yogurt.
Are the cumin seeds used raw or cooked?
The cumin seeds should be toasted before being added to the salad.
How much garlic is used in the koftas?
The recipe requires 3 crushed garlic cloves.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried chili pepper flakes, which adds a mild heat depending on your preference.
Can I use a regular frying pan instead of a griddle?
Yes, the instructions state you can use either a griddle or a frying pan.
What type of yogurt is best for the sauce?
Natural Greek yogurt is recommended for its rich and creamy consistency.
How do I ensure the meat sticks to the skewers?
Chilling the shaped koftas for at least 30 minutes helps the meat firm up and stay on the skewers.
What is the role of lemon in the salad?
The juice of one lemon provides a bright, acidic balance to the earthy carrot and turnip salad.
What total number of ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients listed in total.
Can the salad be made ahead of time?
The instructions suggest preparing the salad while the koftas are chilling to let flavors meld.
What cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish brings the warm tastes of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine to your table.