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Apricot and Lamb Koftas with Couscous
- Category: Dinner |
Juicy lamb koftas with a hint of sweet apricot, served with fluffy couscous, make this a flavour-packed meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or dinner party.
SERVES
4
COOKING TIME
10 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
Can I use this lamb kofta recipe for meal prep?
Yes – these lamb koftas are perfect for meal prep. Cooked koftas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pair with couscous and vegetables for ready-to-go lunches or dinners.
Can I make these lamb koftas ahead of time?
Absolutely – you can prepare the kofta mixture in advance and shape them just before cooking. This makes it quick to cook and ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I cook these lamb koftas in the oven instead of a grill or pan?
Yes – bake the koftas at 200°C (180°C fan / 390°F) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
Can I freeze the lamb koftas?
Yes – shaped but uncooked koftas can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
What can I serve with lamb koftas for dinner?
They work well with couscous, rice, salads, or roasted vegetables. A tangy yoghurt or tahini sauce also complements the flavours perfectly.
Can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?
Yes – use lean lamb mince and serve with plenty of vegetables or a wholegrain couscous to make it a balanced, lighter dinner option. For more lamb recipes, check out the following recipes:
Method
Step 1
In a small frying pan over a low heat, heat the oil and fry the onion on low until soft. Allow to cool and add to a large bowl.
Step 2
Once the onion is cool, add in the lamb mince, ras el hanout, apricots and pistachios with a good amount of salt and pepper and use your hands to mix it together well.
Step 3
Take 8 metal skewers and divide the lamb mixture into 8 pieces. With one hand, take one portion of mince mixture and squeeze it around the skewer until you have a sausage–shaped kofta. Repeat with the other skewers until you have 8 koftas.
Step 4
Cook the koftas on a hot griddle pan over a high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until cooked through and golden on all sides.
Step 5
Once cooked, serve with couscous, a sprinkle of parsley, cucumber ribbons and a large spoonful of yogurt.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
400g lean lamb mince
2 tsp ras el hanout
100g dried apricots, finely diced
100g pistachios, roughly chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
To serve:
200g couscous
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cucumber, sliced into ribbons
100g low-fat plain yogurt
