Moroccan Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Yogurt Mint Sauce

Moroccan Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Yogurt Mint Sauce: A Flavorful Culinary Adventure

Introduction

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Morocco with our delectable Moroccan Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Yogurt Mint Sauce. These kebabs, infused with an aromatic blend of Moroccan spices, offer a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Accompanied by a refreshing yogurt mint sauce, this dish encapsulates the essence of Moroccan cuisine, combining savory, refreshing, and authentic flavors.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Kofta Kebabs:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Yogurt Mint Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Steps

Preparing the Lamb Kofta Kebabs:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Shape the lamb mixture into 1-inch-thick kebabs.

3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.

4. Grill the kebabs for 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Making the Yogurt Mint Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, chopped mint leaves, chopped cilantro leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

2. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Serve the grilled lamb kofta kebabs hot off the grill.

2. Drizzle the yogurt mint sauce over the kebabs.

3. Garnish with additional chopped mint leaves or cilantro leaves for a vibrant touch.

Tips

• For a more flavorful kebab, marinate the lamb mixture in the spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the kebabs in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

• The yogurt mint sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between kofta and kebab?

A: Kofta typically refers to ground meat that has been mixed with spices and shaped into kebabs, while kebab can encompass a wider variety of grilled meats, including whole cuts of meat, marinated pieces, or ground meat skewers.

Q: What type of meat is best for kofta kebabs?

A: Lamb is the traditional choice for Moroccan kofta kebabs, but you can also use other types of ground meat such as beef, turkey, or chicken.

Q: Can I use store-bought yogurt mint sauce instead of making my own?

A: Yes, you can substitute store-bought yogurt mint sauce if desired, but making your own sauce from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavors to your liking.