Mediterranean Lamb Koftas with Herbed Quinoa
Flavorful and juicy lamb koftas seasoned with cumin and fresh herbs, served over a bed of fluffy quinoa and drizzled with a refreshing cucumber-mint yogurt sauce. A perfectly balanced, protein-packed weeknight meal.
1196 calories
$9 per serving
$25 min
2 servings
quick-easy, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 300g lean ground lamb
- 100g quinoa, uncooked
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g fresh parsley, chopped
- 20g fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 150g plain low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cucumber, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a small pot, combine the quinoa with 200ml of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- 2.While the quinoa cooks, combine the ground lamb, half the red onion, half the garlic, half the parsley, cumin, and coriander in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and form into 6-8 small oval-shaped koftas.
- 3.Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- 4.To make the sauce, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, remaining garlic, half the mint, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 5.Once the quinoa is cooked, stir in the remaining parsley, mint, and red onion. Season to taste.
- 6.To serve, divide the herbed quinoa between two plates. Top with the lamb koftas and a generous dollop of the cucumber-mint yogurt sauce.
Nutrition Information
60g
fat
74g
carbs
10g
fiber
90g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is exceptionally healthy, providing high-quality protein from lean lamb and quinoa for muscle maintenance. The quinoa offers complex carbs and fiber for sustained energy and digestive health, while fresh herbs and yogurt add vital nutrients.