Lamb Kofta Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce
Juicy lamb kofta skewers seasoned with warm spices, grilled to perfection, and served alongside a tangy sumac-spiced yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes blends ground lamb, small, grated onion, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 small, grated onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp sumac spice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp for brushing olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 small grated onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Divide meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a long sausage shape around a skewer, pressing firmly.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the koftas with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 4: Grill the kofta skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1 cup plain yogurt with 1 tbsp sumac spice and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Step 6: Serve the hot lamb kofta skewers with the sumac yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lamb Kofta Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Lamb Kofta Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb Kofta Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
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 Lamb Kofta Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce 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 Lamb Kofta Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
Middle Eastern 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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