This Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas recipe brings Middle Eastern flavors to life with perfectly seasoned lamb, fresh herbs, and warming spices. These koftas are quick to make and packed with flavor, making them an ideal choice for a delicious dinner or as part of a mezze spread. Serve with pita, tzatziki, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.
What is Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas?
Jamie Oliver’s lamb koftas are spiced ground lamb skewers made with garlic, fresh herbs, and spices like cumin and coriander. The lamb is shaped onto skewers, grilled to juicy perfection, and served with sides like pita bread, salads, and yogurt sauces. This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and is perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: Packed with spices and fresh herbs.
- Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and fast prep make it great for weeknights.
- Versatile serving options: Pair with pita, salad, rice, or yogurt.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and sharing.
- Healthy and protein-rich: Lamb is a great source of protein and iron.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas
- 500g ground lamb: Provides a rich, juicy base for the koftas.
- 1 small onion (grated): Adds moisture and flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a savory depth to the koftas.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: A warming spice that complements lamb beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground coriander: Adds a slightly citrusy, earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: For color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 handful fresh parsley (chopped): Adds freshness and color.
- 1 handful fresh mint (chopped): Brings a light, refreshing note.
- Salt and pepper: To season the lamb.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For grilling or frying.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers for shaping the koftas.
- Grill pan or frying pan: For cooking the koftas if not grilling.
- Grater: To grate the onion.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas
Step 1: Prepare the lamb mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, chopped parsley, and mint. Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Shape the koftas
Divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion around a skewer, forming long, sausage-like shapes. Press firmly to ensure the koftas hold their shape.
Step 3: Preheat the grill or pan
If using a grill, preheat to medium-high. If cooking in a pan, heat a grill pan or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 4: Cook the koftas
Place the koftas on the grill or in the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The lamb should be juicy but fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the koftas from the grill or pan and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with pita bread, tzatziki, fresh salad, or a side of rice.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas
- Pita bread: Ideal for wrapping the koftas.
- Tzatziki: A refreshing yogurt sauce that complements the spices in the lamb.
- Tabbouleh: A fresh, herbaceous salad with parsley, mint, and bulgur.
- Hummus: A creamy dip that pairs well with the koftas.
- Grilled vegetables: Such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas
- Choose fatty lamb: A bit of fat in the lamb keeps the koftas juicy and prevents drying out.
- Grate the onion: Grating helps the onion blend into the mixture without large pieces.
- Press the meat firmly onto skewers: This helps the koftas keep their shape while cooking.
- Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Adjust spices: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas
- Beef koftas: Substitute ground lamb with ground beef for a milder flavor.
- Spicy koftas: Add chopped chili or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herbed koftas: Add extra herbs like cilantro or dill for more freshness.
- Greek-style: Serve with feta cheese and olives for a Greek-inspired twist.
- Stuffed koftas: Add a small piece of cheese or roasted pepper in the center of each kofta.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas
- Refrigerate: Store cooked koftas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Uncooked koftas can be frozen by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen. Cook within 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in a hot pan or in the oven at 180°C until warmed through.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas
- Oven: Reheat at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and cook for a few minutes on each side.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, though this may dry them out slightly.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas Healthier?
- Use lean lamb: Choose lean ground lamb to reduce fat content.
- Add vegetables: Mix in grated zucchini or carrots for added nutrients.
- Serve with salad: Pair with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Use whole-wheat pita: Serve with whole-wheat pita for extra fiber.
- Skip the oil: Cook on a non-stick grill pan or grill without additional oil.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
FAQs
Can I make lamb koftas without skewers?
Yes, you can make lamb koftas without skewers by shaping the mixture into small patties or meatballs. They can then be pan-fried, grilled, or baked.
What can I use instead of lamb in koftas?
Ground beef or chicken can be used as a substitute for lamb in koftas. Just note that beef will provide a similar flavor, while chicken will be milder, and may require extra seasoning.
How do I keep lamb koftas from falling apart?
To prevent koftas from falling apart, make sure to press the mixture firmly onto the skewers. Chilling the shaped koftas for about 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
Can I freeze lamb koftas?
Yes, lamb koftas can be frozen. Shape them onto skewers or as patties, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months and cooked from frozen or thawed first.
Final Words
These Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas are packed with bold flavors and are incredibly versatile. Whether you serve them with pita and tzatziki or enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to be a hit. Perfect for grilling and easy to make, these koftas bring a taste of the Middle East to your dinner table with minimal effort. Enjoy!
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Jamie Oliver Lamb Koftas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 8
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or pan-frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Jamie Oliver’s lamb koftas are spiced ground lamb skewers made with garlic, fresh herbs, and spices like cumin and coriander. The lamb is shaped onto skewers, grilled to juicy perfection, and served with sides like pita bread, salads, and yogurt sauces. This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and is perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
Ingredients
- 500g ground lamb: Provides a rich, juicy base for the koftas.
- 1 small onion (grated): Adds moisture and flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a savory depth to the koftas.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: A warming spice that complements lamb beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground coriander: Adds a slightly citrusy, earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: For color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 handful fresh parsley (chopped): Adds freshness and color.
- 1 handful fresh mint (chopped): Brings a light, refreshing note.
- Salt and pepper: To season the lamb.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For grilling or frying.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the lamb mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, chopped parsley, and mint. Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Shape the koftas
Divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion around a skewer, forming long, sausage-like shapes. Press firmly to ensure the koftas hold their shape.
Step 3: Preheat the grill or pan
If using a grill, preheat to medium-high. If cooking in a pan, heat a grill pan or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 4: Cook the koftas
Place the koftas on the grill or in the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The lamb should be juicy but fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the koftas from the grill or pan and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with pita bread, tzatziki, fresh salad, or a side of rice.
