North African Lamb Kaftas Recipes

SPICED LAMB KOFTAS WITH MINT & TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, preserved lemon, olives, parsley, ras el hanout and some seasoning - don't be too generous with the salt, as the preserved lemon and olives are both quite salty. Divide the mixture into 4 and shape each piece around a long skewer. Chill for 30 mins.
• Combine the ingredients for the salad with some seasoning and set aside. Heat the grill to high. Rub the oil over the koftas and wrap a little foil around the bottom of each skewer if you're using wooden ones. Place on a baking tray and grill for about 7 mins each side until nicely browned, checking the meat is cooked through to the centre. Serve with the tomato salad, a dollop of yogurt and some couscous or in wraps, if you like.

LEBANESE LAMB KOFTA RECIPE (KAFTA/KOFTA KEBABS)

Steps:

• Finely chop the onion and parsley. The smaller the onion pieces, the better!
• Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix until well incorporated.To save time, you could do this in a small food chopper/processor (as the pieces don't need to be even). First, pulse the onion and parsley separately until finely chopped, then add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined into a homogenous meat paste. If the processed onions are very "wet," squeeze them lightly to remove excess liquid.
• To prepare the skewers, first transfer the lamb kofta mixture to the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Then, divide the mixture into portions of around 3-3.5 oz/85-100 g (around a fistful). Then thread each portion onto skewers in a sausage shape, around 1-inch thick, pressing firmly). Be careful to make them even-sized, so they'll cook evenly.If you're using wooden skewers and plan to make the lamb kofta immediately, then first soak the skewers for 30 minutes (that way, they won't burn on the grill). Also, keep water nearby to dip your hands in while shaping the ground lamb kebabs - if they become too sticky.
• To grill the lamb kofta: transfer the kofta kebab to a pre-heated and oiled grill (or charcoal BBQ) and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (usually about 10 minutes total for well-done, 6-8 minutes for medium).Grill Pan: using an indoor grill pan is relatively similar to the above. Add a little oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat. Then add the lamb kofta kebab and pan-fry for several minutes, then flip and cook on each side until evenly cooked.Baked: to bake the lamb kafta, lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet brushed/sprayed with a little oil. Bake in the oven at 350ºF/175ºC for between 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Feel free to broil at the end for extra browning.You could also broil the lamb kafta, turning to evenly cook.
• Make ahead: you can prepare and form the kofta kebabs patties in advance and store them covered in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to three months. Then, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Storing: store any leftover kafta in an airtight container in the fridge for between 3-4 days OR in the freezer for up to 3 months (freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to container/Ziplock bag, to avoid sticking). Reheating: you can reheat the kafta on a hot grill for several minutes or in the oven at 350ºF/176ºC until warmed through (7-10 minutes).

LAMB KOFTAS

Steps:

• Mix together all the ingredients until well blended. Divide into eight balls, then roll each ball on a board with a cupped hand to turn them into ovals. Thread onto four metal skewers and brush with oil.
• To cook on a griddle: heat the pan until you can feel a good heat rising and cook for 3-4 mins each side. Don't turn until they are well sealed or the meat will stick to the grill or pan.
• Season if you want, and set aside. Serve the koftas with yogurt and spiced flat breads.

NORTH AFRICAN LAMB KAFTAS

Steps:

• Mix lamb, onion, poppy seeds, cumin, salt, cinnamon and cayenne in large bowl.
• Add egg and mix well.
• Form lamb mixture into a 3 x 1/2 inch long rolls.
• Repeat with remaining lamb mixture to make about 12 kaftas.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in large skillet on medium heat and add 1/2 of the kaftas.
• Cook kaftas for 7 minutes or until cooked through and browned on all sides.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Repeat with remaining kaftas, adding remaining 1 tablespoon oil as needed.
• To serve kaftas, carefully slide a wooden skewer lengthwise through center of each kafta.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce.

LAMB KOFTA

Steps:

• Put the lamb in a mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly. If the lamb is not properly mixed, the kofta will fall apart on the skewer.
• Form the lamb into small patties about the size of a walnut. Mold the patties tightly around a long skewer so they form small oval shapes. Four or five will fit on a skewer.
• Heat a broiler or charcoal coals and when hot, grill the kofta, turning once, until they are golden brown, for about 6 minutes.