Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki
Juicy lamb kofta seasoned with warm spices and served with a cooling cucumber tzatziki sauce, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground lamb, small, grated onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 1 small, grated onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium, finely diced cucumber
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 small grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into 8 evenly sized oval koftas, about 3 inches long.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the koftas and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Step 4: While the koftas cook, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 medium finely diced cucumber, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
- Step 5: Serve the lamb koftas hot with a generous dollop of the chilled tzatziki sauce alongside.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spiced Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki?
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 Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki?
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 Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki 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 Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki?
Mediterranean 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.
