In the world of culinary delights, few things tantalize the senses quite like Halal Lamb Kofta with Mint Sauce. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, spiced lamb that dances with flavors, wrapped in a warm embrace of herbs and spices. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning your family to gather around the table for a taste of something extraordinary.

Now, picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon at my friend Ahmed’s backyard barbecue. Laughter fills the air as we eagerly await his famous kofta skewers, each bite bursting with flavor and served with a refreshing mint sauce that could make even a rock smile. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of culture and friendship. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last skewer disappears.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Halal Lamb Kofta with Mint Sauce is delightfully easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor profile balances savory lamb spices with a refreshing mint kick
- Visually stunning on skewers, it’s perfect for impressing guests at any gathering
- Versatile enough to serve in wraps or on top of salads for lunch leftovers!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends declared me a “kitchen wizard” after just one bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Lamb: Opt for fresh ground lamb for the best flavor; it provides that rich taste essential for kofta.
Onion: Finely chop one medium onion; it adds sweetness and moisture to the meat mixture.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are key; they give depth and aroma that will have everyone guessing your secret.
Cumin Powder: This spice brings warmth; I use about two teaspoons to enhance the overall flavor.
Coriander Powder: It adds a citrusy note; just one teaspoon does wonders in balancing flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Chop up some fresh parsley for color and freshness; feel free to add extra if you love herbs!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust to taste but don’t hold back—seasoning is key!
For the Mint Sauce:
Fresh Mint Leaves: Use about a cup of chopped mint leaves for that refreshing zing that’s essential here.
Plain Yogurt: A cup of plain yogurt creates a creamy base that complements the kofta beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; about two tablespoons should do the trick!
Garlic Powder: A pinch is all you need to enhance flavor without overpowering the mint.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Mingle Your Ingredients Together: Start by placing ground lamb in a large mixing bowl. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic cloves, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well using your hands until fully combined.
Shape Your Kofta: With damp hands (to prevent sticking), form the mixture into oval-shaped patties or mold around skewers if grilling. Aim for about 1-2 inches thick for even cooking.
Sizzle Them Up: Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. If using skewers, lightly oil them before placing kofta on top to avoid sticking. Grill each side until browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes total.
Create Your Refreshing Sauce: While kofta cooks, prepare your mint sauce by combining chopped mint leaves, yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy—taste-test to adjust flavors!
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything’s cooked to perfection, plate those beautiful koftas alongside your mint sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if feeling fancy!
With every bite of Halal Lamb Kofta with Mint Sauce, you’ll find yourself transported to vibrant marketplaces filled with delightful aromas and friendly faces sharing stories over food. Enjoy this journey from kitchen to tabletop!
You Must Know
- Halal Lamb Kofta with Mint Sauce brings a burst of flavor to your table
- The juicy kofta paired with refreshing mint sauce creates an unforgettable experience
- Perfect for gatherings, these little meatballs can also be frozen for later enjoyment, making them a versatile choice for any cook
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the lamb and spices, then form your koftas while the grill heats up. Sear them on high heat for a beautiful crust, then lower the heat to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lamb for beef or chicken if you prefer. Add spices like cumin or coriander for extra depth or toss in diced vegetables to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover kofta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, preserving their juicy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture in your kofta, avoid over-mixing the meat; it should stay tender and juicy
- Always let your meat rest before cooking to keep the juices locked in
- Don’t skimp on seasoning; it’s what makes these koftas sing!
Cooking this Halal Lamb Kofta with Mint Sauce reminds me of backyard barbecues with friends who couldn’t get enough of these flavorful bites. Their smiles were my best reward.
FAQ
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb for kofta?
Yes, ground beef works well and offers a different flavor profile.
How do I know when my kofta is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F when done.
What can I serve with Halal Lamb Kofta?
Serve with pita bread, salad, or rice for a complete meal experience.

Halal Lamb Kofta with Mint Sauce
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Halal Lamb Kofta with Mint Sauce, a dish that combines juicy spiced lamb with a refreshing mint dip. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, these tender koftas are easy to prepare and promise to be a hit at any table. The aromatic spices and creamy mint sauce create an unforgettable culinary experience that brings friends and family together.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until well blended.
- With damp hands, shape the mixture into oval patties or mold around skewers.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil skewers if using.
- Cook kofta for about 6-8 minutes total until browned and cooked through.
- For the mint sauce, mix chopped mint leaves, yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth.
- Serve kofta warm alongside mint sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kofta (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg