Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki

Ingredients

Kofta

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley and mint, minced
• Salt, pepper

Tzatziki

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed very dry
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill
• Salt

To Serve: Warm pita (→ see breads/pita), tomatoes, pickled red onion (→ see sides/pickled-onions), fresh herbs

Method

1. Mix kofta: Combine lamb with onion, garlic, spices, herbs, salt, pepper. Mix until cohesive. Shape into 8 oval patties or mold onto skewers.
2. Make tzatziki: Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until serving.
3. Cook: Grill or broil kofta 4–5 min per side until 160°F internal.
4. Assemble: Serve in warm pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, pickled onion, and fresh herbs.

What You're Practicing

• Seasoning and shaping ground meat
• Squeezing moisture from grated vegetables (onion and cucumber) — wet fillings fall apart
• Building a composed wrap from multiple components