Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Cucumber Salad

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

Tender lamb kofta skewers infused with harissa and mint, paired with a cooling yogurt-cucumber salad for a Middle Eastern flavor explosion. This middle eastern-inspired grilling (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground lamb, finely chopped onion, chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, onion, parsley, mint, harissa paste, egg, and bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to high. Thread meatballs onto skewers and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: For the salad, whisk yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Serve meatballs with salad on the side, garnished with extra mint and harissa paste.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Cucumber Salad?

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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Cucumber Salad?

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 Yogurt Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Cucumber Salad gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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