Spiced Lamb and Apricot Koftas with Herbed Quinoa
Juicy lamb koftas infused with warm spices and sweet apricots, served over a bed of fluffy, herb-flecked quinoa. A vibrant and satisfying soy-free meal inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.
2300 calories
$4 per serving
$35 min
4 servings
soy-free, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 500g lean ground lamb
- 200g quinoa
- 400ml water
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g dried apricots, finely chopped
- 30g fresh parsley, chopped
- 20g fresh mint, chopped
- 1 lemon
- 30ml olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.First, cook the quinoa. Rinse 200g of quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the quinoa with 400ml of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
- 2.While the quinoa cooks, prepare the koftas. In a large bowl, combine 500g of ground lamb, half of the chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped dried apricots, half the parsley, half the mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3.Gently mix the kofta ingredients with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Shape the mixture into 12-16 small, oval-shaped patties.
- 4.Heat 30ml of olive oil in a large skillet 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. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- 5.Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Stir in the remaining chopped red onion, parsley, mint, and the juice of half a lemon. Season to taste.
- 6.Serve the warm koftas over the herbed quinoa. Garnish with a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition Information
122g
fat
150g
carbs
18g
fiber
128g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is a wonderfully balanced, nutritious meal. Lean lamb provides high-quality protein for muscle support, while quinoa offers complex carbohydrates and all nine essential amino acids for sustained energy. It's rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.