Fourth-Quarter Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb kofta spiced with warm Mediterranean herbs and served with a cool, creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground lamb, small, finely grated onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 small finely grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Shape lamb mixture into 8 oval kofta, about 3 inches long. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook kofta for 5-6 minutes per side until well browned and cooked through to 160°F internal temperature.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by draining excess water from 1/2 medium peeled and grated cucumber. In a small bowl, mix cucumber with 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Serve warm lamb kofta with a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fourth-Quarter Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Fourth-Quarter Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki?

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 Fourth-Quarter Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki?

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 Fourth-Quarter Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki 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.

What goes well with Fourth-Quarter Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki?

Mediterranean lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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