Mediterranean Lamb Koftas
Chef Avi is back to teach us how to make Mediterranean Lamb koftas! A kofta is a meatball that hails from India, the Middle East, the Balkans, or Central Asia.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. KOL Foods Ground Lamb
- 10 Fresh Basil Leaves - Chopped
- 1 Red Onion - Diced
- ¼ - ½ cup mint sauce
- ½ tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tbs of brown sugar
- ½ tsp granulated garlic
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves – chopped
- 2 large tomatoes - diced
- ¼ - ½ tsp. kosher salt
- 2 ¼ tsps. of cardamom
- 2 ¼ tsps. of cinnamon
- ½ to ¾ cups of lamb broth
- ¼ cup good red wine
- 1/8 – ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
In a large mixing bowl add the lamb, cumin, sugar, garlic, half of the basil, half of the kosher salt, and ¼ tsp. each of the cinnamon and the cardamom. Gently mix it together and then form small meatballs around the size of a quarter to half dollar. Add them to the pan with the oil and onions. Brown all sides of the meatballs. (about 5 minutes.)
Lower heat. Add the tomatoes, the remaining salt, half of the remaining basil, the mint leaves, the mint sauce, the lamb broth and the red wine. Let simmer about 15-20 minutes. Breath deeply because the aroma will make you smile broadly.
After 15 – 20 minutes, add the other ¼ tsp of cinnamon and cardamom. Add the remaining basil and serve over jasmine rice. Garnish with mint or basil leaves. Eat it with a nice rustic bread like a ciabatta baguette. Toast yourself with a smooth cabernet. Many thanks to HaDassah Sabo Milner for the original recipe.