Spiced Lamb Koftas with Herbed Quinoa & Pomegranate
Juicy, spiced lamb koftas served on a bed of fluffy, herb-infused quinoa and sprinkled with vibrant pomegranate seeds. A delicious, balanced, and complete meal inspired by Middle Eastern flavors that is naturally soy-free.
2140 calories
$6 per serving
$35 min
4 servings
soy-free, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 500g lean ground lamb
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 30g fresh mint, chopped
- 30g fresh parsley, chopped
- 200g quinoa
- 400ml water
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 80g pomegranate seeds
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, half of the chopped onion, half of the minced garlic, half of the mint and parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until just combined.
- 2.Divide the lamb mixture into 8-12 portions and shape them into small ovals (koftas).
- 3.Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, add the quinoa, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- 4.While the quinoa cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- 5.Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the remaining onion, garlic, mint, parsley, lemon juice, and pomegranate seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6.Serve the warm lamb koftas over the herbed quinoa. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
103g
fat
145g
carbs
24g
fiber
128g
protein
Why this recipe
This is a nutrient-dense, balanced meal. Lean lamb provides high-quality protein and iron, while quinoa offers complex carbs, fiber, and all nine essential amino acids. The herbs and pomegranate are rich in antioxidants, making this a highly nutritious dish.