Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs are quick to make and bursting full of Middle Eastern flavours. These delicious, oven baked meatballs are popular with kids and adults alike and perfect as midweek family dinner, appetiser or part of bigger spread. Try them with some flatbreads and your favourite accompaniments. Super easy, super versatile!
Meatballs are so fabulously versatile and really loved in our house. We love them in all their guises and don't mind if they are Swedish, Italian or as in this case Middle Eastern! Back in the day I would always make my lamb koftas in the classic shape of kebabs but have since found that my kids are less likely to reject things if they are shaped into meatballs or patties for that matter. Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs here I come!
Quick & easy to make, super versatile, naturally gluten and egg free!
These meatballs take literally minutes to put together without the use of any fancy equipment as all you need is a bowl and your hands. What I also love about these little Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs is their versatility as they work really well as a quick family meal over couscous or Middle Eastern pilaf or even pasta (trust me, it's kids approved)! We love them with my easy flatbreads and loads of hummus and my creamy coleslaw, so simple, so delicious!
As they are delicious both hot or cold, they will also make lovely bitesized appetiser or snack on a game night or as a part of larger mezze spread!
Some versions of lamb kofta have breadcrumbs (or stale bread soaked in milk) and eggs in them but I've kept mine naturally gluten and egg free!
How can I adapt these Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs?
There are number of ways you can adapt these already delicious meatballs:
- Try swapping minced lamb for beef, pork or turkey.
- Fresh mint goes particularly well in this recipe but if you are not a fan try using fresh coriander (cilantro) instead.
- This recipe produces exceptionally flavoursome yet mild meatballs. Try adding some chopped red or green chilli or a pinch or two of chilli flakes for that extra kick!
- Try adding tiny little pinch each of some ground cloves, allspice and cinnamon for that umami flavour.
- How about adding some crumbled feta cheese to the mixture? Perfect combination if you ask me. If using make sure you adjust the amount of salt accordingly as feta is already quite salty.
How can I cook Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs?
If you follow the recipe you will sear/brown meatballs briefly in a frying pan first and then finish them in the oven (see recipe card below).
You could also:
- Pan fry them without finishing them in the oven (or use griddle pan instead of frying pan). They will take anything between 8-10 minutes to cook. Make sure your pan is really hot and you keep moving meatballs around so that they cook evenly. Similarly to the searing/browning method, it's best to do it in 2 batches.
- Bake them in the oven without searing/browning first. Make sure you spray them generously with olive oil and bake for approx 20 minutes so slightly longer.
- Cook them under the grill. You could use wooden or metal skewers and put your meatballs on the skewers which will make turning them so much easier plus it will give you a serving utensil. If you are using wooden skewers make sure to soak them in the cold water for 30 minutes prior to prevent them from catching fire. Pop your skewers under the medium grill for approx 13-15 minutes turning them couple of times to ensure they cook evenly.
- On the BBQ! There isn't a better way than that when you are in the midst of Summer and the weather is playing ball (reminiscing about the Summer 2018). Use the skewers as above and cook as you would under the grill for 13-15 minutes turning regularly.
Whichever method you decide to use make sure to let your lamb kofta meatballs REST for a few minutes before you dig in!
What to serve with Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs?
There are so many things that go really well with these quick lamb meatballs and below you will find some suggestions but by no means let them limit you.
- Tzatziki has been made for lamb kofta! Use it as a dip or sauce.
- Cucumber Raita would work really well too. You can make it with coriander, mint or even both!
- Already mentioned hummus. I do love my Wild Garlic Hummus when wild garlic is in season but it can also be easily adapted into classic hummus.
- Simple couscous and roasted vegetables.
- Creamy Summer Coleslaw
- Homemade Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico De Gallo)- even though Mexican in its origin, it really works here!
- Middle Eastern rice pilaf.
- Baked Polenta Chips (Polenta Fries)
- Easy Indian Spiced Basmati Rice
- Easy Flatbread (No Yeast)
- Simple green salad and your choice of sliced tomato, cucumber, radishes, avocado etc.
- Easy Grated Carrot Salad
- Tabbouleh or quinoa salads
- Steamed greens
- Simple pasta with gently spiced tomato sauce as used in this recipe
I could go on...
Can I make-ahead / freeze Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs?
The answer is yes to both.
You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and keep it well covered in the fridge until you are ready to form the meatballs and cook them. Alternatively, you can go as far as shaping the meatballs which you will then again keep in the fridge (well covered) until you are ready to cook them. You can prepare them even a day in advance.
When it comes to freezing it is best to freeze them in single layer on top of small, lined baking tray (if you can fit one in your freezer) or even a lid of plastic tupperware type box if smaller and fits better. Cover the meatballs loosely with clingfilm and put in the freezer until frozen solid. You can then transfer them into freezer safe plastic container or bag for up to 3 months. Same rules apply to cooked meatballs.
To defrost lamb kofta meatballs simply take them out of the freezer and let defrost in the fridge overnight. You can also cook them from frozen (either on the pan or in the oven) adding allowing extra cooking time. Make sure they are piping hot and cooked in the middle.
EASY LAMB KOFTA MEATBALLS - STEP-BY-STEP
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- 1. Put lamb mince in a large bowl and add finely chopped/grated onion and garlic.
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- 2. Follow with spices (cumin and coriander),...
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- 3. ...salt,...
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- 4. ...fresh mint,...
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- 5. ...fresh parsley...
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- 6. ...and lemon juice and zest.
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- 7. Mix everything together with your hand until all the ingredients have been nicely and evenly incorporated.
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- 8. If you have time, cover your meat mixture and pop it in the fridge for half an hour or so for flavours to develop. Otherwise divide the mixture into 4 quarters and form 5 meatballs out of each quarter.
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- 9. Pop them onto the baking tray lined with some baking paper.
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- 10. Heat the oil in a frying pan and sear the meatballs on each side for a minute or so.
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- 11. Once seared (nicely browned) pop them back onto the baking tray and bake them in the preheated oven 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 for approx. 15 minutes.
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- 12. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes once out of the oven.
Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs
Ingredients
- 500 g minced lamb
- 1 onion finely chopped or grated
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped or minced/grated
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1-2 tbsp fresh mint chopped
- 1-2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ½ lemon (zest & juice)
- 1 tbsp olive/rapeseed oil
- salt, pepper as per your liking
Instructions
- Put minced lamb into a large bowl and add finely chopped onion, garlic, spices, salt (I go with 2 tsp of sea salt flakes), some freshly ground pepper, fresh herbs and lemon zest and juice.
- Mix well with your hand until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- If you have time cover your meat and pop it in the fridge for half an hour or as long as you can to let the flavours develop and mingle. If you are short on time simply proceed to the next step.
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.
- Divide the meat into four quarters and make 5 similar size meatballs out of each quarter. Put them onto the baking tray lined with baking parchment.
- Heat up tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and fry the meatballs in two batches for couple of minutes to sear/brown them and pop them back onto lined baking tray. (see notes)
- Bake in preheated oven for approx. 15 minutes.
- Take them out onto the plate lined with paper towel to soak up the fat.
- Serve in flatbreads with your favourite sauces and other accompaniments.
Notes
- Nutritional information is approximate and should be treated as a guideline only.
- You can skip searing/browning meatballs in a pan and pop them straight into the preheated oven. In such case I would spray them gently with some olive oil and increase baking time to 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can pan fry them without baking in the oven and they will take anything between 8-10 minutes. Make sure you watch them and turn regularly so that they are evenly cooked all over.
Nutrition
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I'm sharing my Easy Lamb Kofta Meatballs with Cook Blog Share.
Linda says
I haven't had lamb in a while and these meatballs sound like the perfect way to bring it back into our diets. Love that you kept it gluten-free so I can serve it to my daughter. We can eat the flatbreads and she can use a lettuce wrap!
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you Linda, I'm so pleased to hear that! It's such a great idea to serve these in a lettuce wrap too!
Katie says
These meatballs sound like they are bursting with flavor! They would be good on so many things!
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you Katie! 🙂
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I love the spice blend you're using in your kofta meatballs -- they sound amazing. I love using lamb in my cooking, and this just sounds like such a healthy, satisfying meal. Pinning!
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you Lisa! I'm glad you like them. 🙂 I love cooking with lamb too and its rich flavour goes so well with Middle Eastern flavours here.
Pam says
These look awesome and I love all of the suggested variations!
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Pam! That's what I like about them too, so easily adaptable!
Veena Azmanov says
These Kofta Meat Balls look delicious. Lovely idea for a party snack or as a topping too. Perfect meal for Dinner.
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you Veena! 🙂
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
Oh these gorgeous meatballs have me written all over them - love meatballs, love lamb kofte, and jove easy peasy midweek meals 😀 Thanks for linking up to #CookBlogShare. Eb x
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Eb! 🙂 x
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I love the strategy of making the meatballs and freezing them of an easy meal later on. These sound absolutely delicious!
joskitchenlarder says
Thanks Michelle! Same here. Having homemade food in the freezer gives me a lot of satisfaction and makes my weekday dinner times much less frantic 🙂
Jacqui Bellefontaine says
I love lamb meatballs, they tend to have a better texture than those made with beef I think. This is definitely the type of dish we like in our house.
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you Jacqui! 🙂 Lamb and Middle Eastern flavours go so well together and are perfect as easy dinner so definitely a winner in our house.
Corina Blum says
I think lamb is my favourite meat to make into meatballs and these sound really tasty! They'd be so good with tzatziki and flatbreads.
joskitchenlarder says
Thank you so much Corina! I totally agree and the fact that they are so quick to put together when we are all so busy makes them a winner plus kids love them!