Cilantro scented Koftes with mint & honey dip
Preparation
Time: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes refrigeration
Cooking Time: 5 minutes Makes: 30
Can be made in advance
Will freeze - koftes only
I wrote this recipe to create a new canapé for my daughter’s batmitzvah but I would certainly recommend making larger portions and serving them as a main course with rice and pitta bread.
Cooking these koftes on the BBQ is a popular summer alternative. I have made them with minced lamb but minced beef and chicken can be substituted if preferred. Personally I love the combination of the coriander-scented flavour that infuses into the lamb dipped in mint and honey.
Soaking the wooden skewers in cold water first stops them burning under the grill or on the BBQ.
Ingredients
- 2 cups lean minced lamb
- 1 medium onion – peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground cilantro
- 1-tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons – finely grated fresh cilantro
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1-teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the dip
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint – finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons runny honey
- 5 tablespoons tahini
- 4 tablespoons non- dairy yoghurt
Garnish: Sprigs of fresh cilantro
Method
1) Soak the skewers in cold water.
2) Place the lamb, onion, ground cilantro, cumin, fresh cilantro, lemon zest and juice and salt and pepper into a food processor. Whizz until well combined.
3) With wet hands, divide the mixture between 20 skewers. Roll into oval shapes. Thread 1 oval onto each pre-soaked skewer.
4) Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
5) For the dip, combine all the ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6) Pre-heat the broiler to its highest setting or alternatively cook on a BBQ, broil pan or roast for approximately 15 minutes in the oven at 400ºF until cooked through.
To serve the stylish way: Serve hot with chilled mint and honey dip on large platters. Sprinkle the plate with sprigs of cilantro.
For more information about my recipes or to book on cookery school please email denise@jewishcookery.com.
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For further information please contact:
Denise's Kitchen
Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2HD
