Kofta is a type of meatball or meatloaf dish found in various cuisines. The meat used for kofta can be lamb, beef, chicken, or a combination, but this recipe uses lamb. It is typically mixed with herbs and spices. Sometimes, breadcrumbs or rice may be added to the mixture to enhance texture.
Lamb kofta and pita bread
Ingredients
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra 1/4 cup
2 small brown onions, diced
6 cloves garlic, chopped
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season
500g lamb mince
200g dried breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 bunch mint, leaves picked, chopped roughly
Small pita bread, warmed, to serve
TZATZIKI SAUCE
300ml Greek full-fat yoghurt
1 bunch mint, leaves picked, finely chopped
Juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon
MACERATED CUCUMBER
1 Lebanese cucumber, cut lengthways in 4-6 strips
Juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon
Method
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Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Cook onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until soft. Transfer to a bowl, set aside in the fridge to cool.
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For Tzatziki, in a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Season.
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For Cucumber, in a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Season.
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In a large bowl, combine mince, breadcrumbs, Dijon, spices, mint and chilled onion mixture. Season and stir until well combined (use your hands to combine if you wish).
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Divide mixture into 80g balls (approx. 1/3 cup). Using slightly damp hands, shape each ball into a sausage shape approx. 10cm long.
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Heat extra oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Cook koftas in two batches, if needed, for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
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Serve koftas on warmed pitas topped with cucumber and drizzled with tzatziki sauce.
Do you put eggs in kofta?
Eggs are commonly used as a binding agent in kofta recipes. The egg helps hold the mixture together, preventing the kofta from falling apart during cooking. It also contributes to the texture of the final dish. However, not all recipes include eggs; some variations may use alternative binders like breadcrumbs or soaked bread.