The warm, aromatic spices in the dukkah crust pair perfectly with the gamey flavor of the lamb, while the red onion and garlic add a sweetness and depth. The cumin and smoked paprika bring everything together
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lamb shoulder, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dukkah, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
- 1In a large bowl, combine the chopped lamb, dukkah, red onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, and mix well with your hands until just combined.
- 2Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 3Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
- 4When the grill is hot, use your hands to shape the lamb mixture into 8-10 skewers, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 4-5 inches long.
- 5Brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking, then grill the kofta for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through.
- 6Transfer the kofta to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- 7Meanwhile, prepare a yogurt-based sauce by mixing together yogurt, lemon juice, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl.
- 8Serve the kofta hot with the yogurt sauce spooned over the top.