Spiced Indian-Style Lamb Kofta with Tamarind Yogurt
Juicy lamb kofta meatballs infused with warm spices, served with a cooling tamarind-spiked yogurt sauce for an elegant dinner. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes pairs ground lamb, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
- Step 2: Shape the lamb mixture into 16 small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp tamarind paste until smooth and tangy.
- Step 5: Serve the warm lamb kofta with a drizzle of the tamarind yogurt sauce and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Indian-Style Lamb Kofta with Tamarind Yogurt take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Spiced Indian-Style Lamb Kofta with Tamarind Yogurt?
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 Spiced Indian-Style Lamb Kofta with Tamarind Yogurt?
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 Spiced Indian-Style Lamb Kofta with Tamarind Yogurt 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 Spiced Indian-Style Lamb Kofta with Tamarind Yogurt?
Indian 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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