Name: Lamb Kofta with Mint Yogurt
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 500g ground lamb; 1/2 red onion, finely grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 250g greek yogurt, plain full-fat; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 200g couscous; 300ml hot vegetable stock; 1/2 cucumber, diced for serving; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for serving

Method

1Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated red onion, minced garlic, half of the chopped fresh mint, half of the chopped fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined.

2Form the lamb mixture into 12-16 oval or log-shaped kofta. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.

3Bake the kofta for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until deeply browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F).

4While the kofta bakes, prepare the mint yogurt. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, the remaining chopped fresh mint, the remaining chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

5Prepare the couscous according to package instructions. Typically, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl, pour the hot vegetable stock over it, cover tightly, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

6Dice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes, preparing them for garnish and serving alongside the dish.

7To serve, divide the fluffy couscous among individual plates. Arrange 3-4 baked kofta on top of or next to the couscous.

8Spoon a generous dollop of the mint yogurt sauce over the kofta or alongside the meal. Garnish with the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and an optional extra sprinkle of fresh herbs.