True Middle Eastern Spiced Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce
Tender lamb meatballs infused with cumin and coriander, served with a cooling yogurt-cucumber sauce and pita bread for dipping. This middle eastern-inspired mediterranean ready in about 40 minutes blends ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic 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 320 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
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber
- 1 lemon
- 4 pieces flatbread
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and 1 tsp salt. Mix until well combined. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: For the sauce, whisk yogurt, grated cucumber, juice of 1 lemon, and 1/2 tsp salt. Serve meatballs with sauce and warm flatbread on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True Middle Eastern Spiced Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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 True Middle Eastern Spiced Lamb Kofta with 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 True Middle Eastern Spiced Lamb Kofta with 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 True Middle Eastern Spiced Lamb Kofta with 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 True Middle Eastern Spiced Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce?
Middle Eastern mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this true are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
