Get ready to transport your taste buds on an incredible Middle Eastern culinary adventure that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds! These Mini Mince Koftas aren't just another recipe - they're a mouth-watering journey of spices, tender lamb, and a rich, tantalizing sauce that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?" Perfect for those who crave bold flavors and want to impress with minimal effort, this dish promises to be the star of your dining table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g minced lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into small, oval-shaped koftas approximately 4-5 cm long. Ensure each kofta is compact and uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the koftas in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the exterior.
- Remove the koftas from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In the same pan, add canned tomatoes and sugar. Simmer the sauce for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces slightly.
- Gently return the koftas to the tomato sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves just before serving. Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or your preferred accompaniment.
Tips
- Meat Mixing: When combining ingredients, use your hands to ensure even distribution of spices. Cold hands work best for mixing to prevent the meat from becoming too warm.
- Kofta Shaping: Wet your hands slightly with water while forming koftas to prevent the meat from sticking and help create smooth, uniform shapes.
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure your pan is properly heated before adding koftas to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior without overcooking the inside.
- Sauce Consistency: If your tomato sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally.
- Make-Ahead Tip: These koftas can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing flavors to develop even more intensely.
- Serving Suggestion: For an authentic experience, serve with warm flatbread or fragrant rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
