Mezzanine Layered Lamb Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy lamb kofta skewers layered with aromatic spices, served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce that balances the savory flavors. This middle eastern ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground lamb, onion, finely grated, garlic cloves, minced 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb with 1/2 cup finely grated onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves. Mix gently but thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each around a soaked wooden skewer into a long, even cylinder about 5 inches in length.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the kofta skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until nicely browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice and a pinch of salt to make the mint yogurt sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot lamb kofta skewers drizzled with or dipped into the fresh mint yogurt sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mezzanine Layered Lamb Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce 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 Mezzanine Layered Lamb Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

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 Mezzanine Layered Lamb Kofta with Mint 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 Mezzanine Layered Lamb Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce 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.

What goes well with Mezzanine Layered Lamb Kofta with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern middle eastern 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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