Imagine tender, spiced lamb koftas sizzling in the pan, their aroma mingling with fresh herbs and citrus. This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together the warmth of cumin and coriander with the brightness of lemon and mint — a perfect balance of flavor and freshness.

Served over a bed of fluffy herbed quinoa and topped with a cool cucumber-mint relish, it’s a wholesome, protein-packed meal that’s both hearty and light. Whether for a midweek dinner or weekend feast, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 500g ground lamb
• 200g quinoa
• 400ml water
• 1 large cucumber
• 1 red onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 200g cherry tomatoes
• 20g fresh mint, chopped
• 20g fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 45ml olive oil
• 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse 200g of quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the quinoa and 400ml water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all water is absorbed.
2. While the quinoa cooks, prepare the koftas. In a large bowl, combine 500g ground lamb, 1 finely chopped red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, half of the chopped mint and parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix the kofta ingredients thoroughly with your hands and form the mixture into 12-16 small, oval patties.
4. Heat 30ml (2 tbsp) of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the koftas in the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
5. While the koftas are cooking, prepare the relish. Finely dice 1 cucumber and halve 200g cherry tomatoes. In a small bowl, combine them with the remaining chopped mint and parsley, the juice of 1 lemon, and 15ml (1 tbsp) of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork. To serve, divide the herbed quinoa among four plates, top with the lamb koftas, and add a generous spoonful of the cucumber-tomato relish.

Tips & Substitutions

• Make it lighter: Swap lamb for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add extra color: Mix in chopped bell peppers or roasted eggplant for a vegetable boost.
• Herb variations: Try cilantro or dill instead of mint for a fresh twist.

Nutrition

Calories (total): 2620 kcal

• Fat: 167g
• Carbohydrates: 150g
• Fiber: 19g
• Protein: 128g