Astros-Style Lamb Kofta with Honey-Sumac Sweet Potato Mash
Herb-marinated lamb skewers served with creamy sweet potato mash dusted with sumac, celebrating Houston's sports pride and Palestinian spice traditions. This middle eastern-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground lamb, finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground lamb
- 3 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 tsp sumac spice
- 2 lbs, peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp chopped mint
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 12 oz ground lamb, 3 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp sumac, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Mix with hands until evenly distributed, then form into 12 small oval koftas (about 1.5 inches long).
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add koftas, pressing gently to form patties, and cook for 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through — avoid flipping more than once to keep juices inside.
- Step 3: While koftas cook, boil 2 lbs peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with 1/4 cup whole milk, 1 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped mint and 1/2 tsp sumac for color. Serve koftas atop sweet potato mash.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Astros-Style Lamb Kofta with Honey-Sumac Sweet Potato Mash take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Astros-Style Lamb Kofta with Honey-Sumac Sweet Potato Mash?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Astros-Style Lamb Kofta with Honey-Sumac Sweet Potato Mash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Astros-Style Lamb Kofta with Honey-Sumac Sweet Potato Mash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Astros-Style Lamb Kofta with Honey-Sumac Sweet Potato Mash gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
