Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Charred Flatbread

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Herb-flecked lamb kofta skewers infused with smoky harissa, served with grilled flatbread and a cooling cucumber-tahini dip for a vibrant Middle Eastern feast. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 57 minutes pairs grams ground lamb, tablespoons harissa paste, teaspoon cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 450 grams ground lamb, 2 tablespoons harissa paste, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 clove minced garlic. Mix gently with hands until evenly distributed but not overworked.
  2. Step 2: Shape the lamb mixture into 12 even-sized balls (about 2 inches in diameter) and press each onto skewers to form elongated kofta shapes.
  3. Step 3: Brush 4 small pita breads with 2 tablespoons olive oil and place directly on a preheated grill at medium (350°F) for 2 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
  4. Step 4: Grill kofta skewers over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until deeply browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
  5. Step 5: While grilling, whisk together 1 medium grated cucumber, 3 tablespoons tahini, 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot kofta with grilled pita bread, drizzling the cucumber-tahini dip over the top and sprinkling with 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Charred Flatbread take to make?

Total time is about 57 minutes (45 min prep + 12 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Charred Flatbread?

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 grams ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Charred Flatbread?

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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Charred Flatbread 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Charred Flatbread?

Middle Eastern grilling 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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