Easy Lamb Kofta

My children love these!  They are best made on the BBQ over coals, but an inside BBQ or under the grill (broil) will work well too.  When made on the BBQ they have a wonderful smokey flavour that is out of this world!  Kofta's are so versatile - serve them as it with a salad, on bread or inside a pit pocket.  They are also great for making kebabs at home.  Sauces that my family enjoy with kofta are: BBQ, Hommus and Tziki - but not all 3 together!

I roll them (with wet hand) into a sausage shape.  Each kofta is about 5 cm long (2 inches), though you can put them onto skewers if you feel the desire (just remember to soak the bamboo sticks for about 15-20 minutes before using them).

You will notice there are a few spices listed below, I have a well stocked spice and herb pantry, so these are what I use.  As I use my herbs and spices regularly, I make sure I have what I need.  If you prefer not to buy each of these to possibly not use again (what a waste of money), I recommend finding a good middle eastern store and buying 1 1/2 Tablespoons of a Kofta spice mix called Baharat.   It has very similar flavours and comes ready to go!  I have two Middles eastern stores near me and each sell spices, nuts and traditional treats in whatever quantity you need.

This recipe will give you roughly 10 -12 Kofta's.  I normally double this so my children can take the "plan overs" to school the next day for their lunches.  Kofta's can be made up to 24 hours ahead of schedule, mini Kofta's (or roll them into meatballs), they are fabulous for parties - serve with your choice of middle eastern dip and lavish bread - yum!

500g lamb mince (just over a pound)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 an onion, chopped as fine as you can (or grated)
1 ts ground cumin
1 ts ground coriander powder (cilantro)
1 ts garam masala
1/2 ts ground cloves
1/2 ts cinnamon
A large handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Mix all the above ingredients in a large bowl.  Use wet hands to form Kofta's.  Either use immediately or pop on a plate and cover with cling film and pop into the fridge until you need them.
Pre-heat your BBQ and grease your griddle plate well.  Put the kofta's on and BBQ each side for about 5-7 minutes.  Turn until all sides have been cooked.
Serve hot with your choice of salads, breads and dips.

Happy cooking!
Elizabeth x