Juicy Lamb Kofta Skewers with Warm Flatbreads & Tzatziki
If there’s one dinner that gets my whole family excited, it’s these lamb kofta skewers with flatbread. There’s something so satisfying about grabbing a warm, pillowy flatbread, stuffing it with juicy spiced lamb, and topping it with that cool, creamy tzatziki.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to serve guests. The kids love assembling their own wraps, and I love that the flavors are bold without being overpowering. This one’s on repeat in our house and I think it might be in yours soon, too!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is a flavor-packed, fuss-free favorite that brings the charm of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your table. It’s easy to prep, cooks quickly, and delivers on every level juicy meat, warm bread, and a zesty dip that balances everything beautifully. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or flavor seekers, this meal is a family win.
Simple Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this dish so special:
- Ground Lamb: Provides a rich, savory base for the koftas.
- Onion: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the meat mixture.
- Garlic: Infuses the koftas with a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth to the flavor profile.
- Ground Coriander: Contributes a slightly citrusy, nutty flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky, sweet undertone.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Helps to keep the koftas moist and adds a subtle richness.
- Flatbreads: Serve as the perfect vessel for the koftas and toppings.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the spiced lamb.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
What is Needed
Ingredients
- 500g ground lamb
- 1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Warm flatbreads, to serve
- Tzatziki sauce, to serve
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Baking tray or grill
- Brush for oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated and squeezed-dry onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With damp hands, shape each portion into a cigar-like shape around a skewer, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Brush the koftas with olive oil and place them on the grill or a baking tray. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F) and the outside is nicely browned.
- While the koftas are cooking, warm the flatbreads on the grill or in the oven until soft and pliable.
- Place the cooked koftas on the warm flatbreads and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Top Tips
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the kofta mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the koftas are cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F).
- Customize the Spices: Adjust the spice levels to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Serve with Sides: Pair the koftas with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
- Beef Koftas: Substitute ground beef for lamb if preferred.
- Spicy Koftas: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or cilantro for a unique flavor twist.
- Cheese-Stuffed Koftas: Insert a small cube of feta cheese into the center of each kofta for a creamy surprise.
Recommended Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Baking tray or grill
- Brush for oil
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the kofta mixture and shape the skewers up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store leftover cooked koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
What to Serve with This Recipe
- Fresh Greek salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Hummus and pita chips
- Pickled red onions
- Lemon wedges for squeezing
What You Need to Know About This Recipe
Kofta is a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of spiced ground meat, often shaped onto skewers and grilled. The word “kofta” comes from the Persian word “kuftan,” meaning “to pound” or “to grind,” reflecting the preparation method of the meat. This dish has numerous regional variations and is a staple in many cuisines across the Middle East, South Asia, and the Balkans.
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Lamb Kofta Skewers
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Grill or oven
- Baking tray
- Oil brush
Ingredients
- 500 g ground lamb
- 1 small onion grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Warm flatbreads to serve
- Tzatziki sauce to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated and squeezed-dry onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With damp hands, shape each portion into a cigar-like shape around a skewer, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together.
- Cook the Koftas: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Brush the koftas with olive oil and place them on the grill or a baking tray. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F) and the outside is nicely browned.
- Warm the Flatbreads: While the koftas are cooking, warm the flatbreads on the grill or in the oven until soft and pliable.
- Serve: Place the cooked koftas on the warm flatbreads and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances. Along with the yummy recipes I use at home.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]