Grilled Lamb Kofta with Sumac and Cumin

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

Spiced lamb kofta skewers with a tangy sumac and cumin seasoning, grilled to juicy perfection and served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground lamb, fresh parsley, fresh mint for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground lamb, parsley, mint, minced garlic, cumin, sumac, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with hands until evenly distributed.
  2. Step 2: Divide mixture into 8 portions and shape into 3-inch cylinders. Skewer onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Heat grill to medium-high. Brush skewers lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Grill kofta for 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
  5. Step 5: While kofta grills, combine yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate.
  6. Step 6: Let kofta rest for 5 minutes before serving with cucumber-yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lamb Kofta with Sumac and Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Lamb Kofta with Sumac and Cumin?

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 Grilled Lamb Kofta with Sumac and Cumin?

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 Grilled Lamb Kofta with Sumac and Cumin 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 Grilled Lamb Kofta with Sumac and Cumin?

Middle Eastern beef 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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