Spiced Lamb Kofta Bites with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Spiced Lamb Kofta Bites with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
These Spiced Lamb Kofta Bites are flavorful and juicy, paired perfectly with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. They make for a fantastic appetizer or a delicious main dish!
Ingredients:
For the Kofta Bites:
1 lb ground lamb
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
For the Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Kofta Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro, mint, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape the Kofta Bites:
With wet hands, shape the lamb mixture into small oval or round patties. Thread the patties onto the soaked wooden skewers.
Cook the Kofta Bites:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the skewers of kofta bites and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Alternatively, you can grill them for a smoky flavor.
Make the Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Serve the spiced lamb kofta bites warm with the cucumber yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!