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Lamb and Rice Koftas with Tahini Sauce

4 servings

Appetizers & Snacks

Grilled lamb and rice Koftas with Tahini yogurt.

Koftas are a popular meat dish enjoyed in many countries and with good reason; they are deliciously satisfying. This version fuses seasoned lamb with rice and is drizzled with refreshing Tahini yogurt sauce. Perfect for grilling – indoors or out, consider serving Koftas at a summer party accompanied with a fresh salad and pita bread.

Brown Rice, Long Grain

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Ingredients

Tahini Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) plain Greek or Balkan-style yogurt

  • 3 tbsp (45 mL) tahini

  • 1 1/2 tbsp (22 mL) lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley or dill

  • Pinch each salt and cayenne pepper


Lamb Koftas:

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) shelled pistachio nuts or cashews

  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh parsley

  • 2 green onions, chopped

  • 1 egg

  • 1 clove garlic, chopped

  • 1 tsp (5 mL) each dried mint, ground coriander and paprika

  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

  • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each cinnamon and freshly ground pepper

  • 1 cup (250 mL) cooked and cooled U.S. white or brown rice

  • 1 lb (500 g) ground lamb

  • 2 pieces naan bread, halved

  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) thinly sliced red onion

  • 12 cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced

Directions

Tahini Yogurt Sauce:


Step 1


In small bowl, mix together yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, half of the parsley, the salt and cayenne. Stir in 3 tbsp (45 mL) water, or enough to make a thick yet pourable consistency; set aside.


Lamb Koftas:


Step 1


In food processor, purée pistachios, parsley, green onions, 3 tbsp (45 mL) water, egg, garlic, mint, coriander, paprika, salt, cinnamon and pepper until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Transfer to bowl; stir in rice until combined. Add lamb, mixing well.


Step 2


Divide into 8 portions; form each into elongated egg shape. Thread 1 kofta onto each of 8 metal or soaked wooden skewers. Grill skewers, covered, on greased grill or in greased grill pan (if in grill pan, omit skewers) over medium heat, turning twice to create 3 sides, until no longer pink inside, 10 to 12 minutes.


Step 3


Grill naan bread until warmed through, about 30 seconds; transfer to plates, along with two skewers each. Scatter red onion, tomatoes, radishes and remaining parsley on top. Serve with Tahini yogurt sauce drizzled overtop.

Recipes by riceinfo.com

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