Phoenician Lamb Kofta with Tahini Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy lamb kofta seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, grilled and served with a tangy tahini yogurt sauce, perfect for a gourmet international meal. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes blends ground lamb, small, grated onion, finely chopped fresh parsley 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 370 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 small grated onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into an elongated oval around a skewer, pressing firmly to adhere. Brush each kofta with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the kofta skewers for about 4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until well browned on the outside and cooked through to medium (about 160°F internal temperature).
  4. Step 4: While the kofta cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Remove the kofta from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot with a generous drizzle of the tahini yogurt sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Phoenician Lamb Kofta with Tahini Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Phoenician Lamb Kofta with Tahini 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 Phoenician Lamb Kofta with Tahini 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 Phoenician Lamb Kofta with Tahini 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 Phoenician Lamb Kofta with Tahini 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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