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Grilled Lamb Kefta

5.0

(1)

Image may contain Food Bread Meal Pita and Dish
Alex Lau

Lamb and yogurt is a classic combination. You'll be scraping the plate with pita.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 Servings

Ingredients

1 teaspoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon cumin seed
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1½ pounds ground lamb
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grill
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup tahini
Lemon wedges, for serving
Warm pita, for serving

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toast fennel and cumin seeds in a small dry skillet, over medium-high heat, tossing often, until fragrant, about 1 minute; let cool, then chop, or coarsely grind in a spice grinder.

    Step 2

    Transfer fennel and cumin to a food processor along with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, mint, and coriander, and process until very finely chopped, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, add lamb, season with salt and pepper, and, using your hands, gently mix together until evenly combined. Chill mixture at least 1 hour.

    Step 3

    DO AHEAD: Lamb mixture can be made up to 1 day ahead; keep chilled.

    Step 4

    Prepare grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grill grates. Divide lamb mixture into 8 portions. Form each portion into a 5”-long sausage shape. Insert a metal skewer lengthwise through each portion. Drizzle with oil and grill, turning occasionally, until just cooked through (do not overcook or the kefta will be dry), 8–10 minutes.

    Step 5

    Meanwhile, mix together yogurt, tahini, and ¼ cup water in a small bowl until smooth; season with salt and pepper.

    Step 6

    Serve kefta with yogurt sauce, cilantro, and lemon wedges. Serve with warm pita.

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