Name: Easy Kofta with Mint Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 1 kg mince (lamb or beef); 1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley (roughly chopped and loosely packed); 1 cup fresh coriander or mint (roughly chopped and loosely packed); 2 onions (peeled and quartered); 4 garlic cloves (peeled and roughly chopped); 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground allspice; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp cayenne pepper (or 1/2 tsp for mild); 3 tsp table salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 cup yoghurt (Greek or thick plain unsweetened); 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 tbsp mint jelly (2-3 tbsp to taste) or honey (see notes); 1 tbsp fresh mint (finely chopped, optional); Small pinch of salt

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends or family with something flavorful yet fuss-free, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Easy Kofta with Mint Yoghurt Sauce Recipe. These succulent, spiced lamb or beef kofta are bursting with warm Middle Eastern spices and paired with a cool, tangy mint yoghurt sauce that perfectly balances every bite. It’s a recipe that brings together simple ingredients for maximum flavor, whether you’re making weeknight dinner magic or showing off at a weekend BBQ. Trust me, once you try this, these koftas will become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface, there are two main layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is light pink minced meat with a soft, slightly grainy texture. On top of this, there is a layer of dark green chopped herbs and seasoning, coarse and uneven, spread in a pile mainly near the center. The bowl's transparency shows the mix clearly from all sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines on simplicity, using every ingredient to build layers of taste and texture that make these koftas truly special. Each item is a star player, from the fragrant herbs to the warming spices, rounded out by the creamy, refreshing yoghurt sauce.

Olive oil (2 tbsp for frying): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the kofta beautifully without sticking.
Minced lamb or beef (1 kg): The hearty base that soaks up all those bold spices and herbs.
Fresh flat leaf parsley (1 cup, chopped): Brings vibrant green color and freshness to cut through the richness.
Fresh coriander or mint (1 cup, chopped): Both add crisp herbal brightness that elevates the flavor.
Onions (2, peeled and quartered): Ground into the mixture for moisture and subtle sweetness.
Garlic cloves (4, chopped): Because garlic is the soul of any good kofta—adds just the right punch.
Ground coriander, cumin, paprika, allspice, cinnamon (various tsp): These warm spices create the signature aromatic profile.
Cayenne pepper (1 tsp, adjust to taste): Adds a gentle kick, but you can keep it milder if preferred.
Salt (3 tsp) and black pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning every bite perfectly.
Yoghurt (1 cup, Greek or thick plain): Forms the creamy base of the mint yoghurt sauce.
Ground cumin (1 tsp for sauce): Echoes the spices in the kofta and adds depth to the sauce.
Mint jelly (2 tbsp, or honey to taste): A sweet counterpoint that blends beautifully into the yoghurt.
Fresh mint (1 tbsp, finely chopped, optional): Adds a fresh pop when mixed into the sauce.
Small pinch of salt (for sauce): To balance and enhance all flavors.

How to Make Easy Kofta with Mint Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Kofta Paste

First, toss all the ingredients except the mince into a food processor. This is where the magic starts—blending the herbs, onions, garlic, and spices into a fragrant paste. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything gets evenly chopped and mixed; this paste is what will flavor every morsel of meat in your kofta.

Step 2: Combine and Shape

Pour the aromatic paste into a large bowl and add your minced meat. Now comes the fun, hands-on part: massage the mixture together with clean hands or gloves until the flavors are thoroughly combined. Then divide the mixture into 16 equal portions and shape these into either balls, patties, or skewer them into cylinders. Placing them in the fridge for 15 minutes helps firm them up, making them easier to cook and turn evenly.

Step 3: Cooking the Kofta

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook your kofta in batches, turning regularly so all sides develop a gorgeous golden crust—this usually takes about 6 minutes total. If you made patties, they’ll need around 3 minutes per side. The smell while cooking is absolutely mouthwatering and will make your kitchen feel like a bustling Middle Eastern bazaar!

Step 4: Prepare the Mint Yoghurt Sauce

In a small bowl or jug, whisk the mint jelly and cumin into a little yoghurt first to form a smooth paste—this step is key to avoiding clumps. Then stir in the rest of the yoghurt, season with a pinch of salt, and add fresh mint if you like. Chill the sauce until ready to serve; it’s the perfect fresh and tangy contrast to the rich kofta.

How to Serve Easy Kofta with Mint Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

The image shows grilled meat skewers and round patties cooking on a black grill pan. There are five long meat skewers on wooden sticks lined up diagonally across the top half of the pan. The skewers have a browned, slightly charred look with visible seasoning and a rough texture. In the lower half, there are six round, thick patties with a similar browned and textured surface, showing some green herbs mixed in. The setting is focused on the food, with the grill pan covering most of the frame. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your kofta platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint leaves for extra color and brightness. A dusting of sumac or a squeeze of lemon juice can also add a lovely zesty finish that wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

These koftas are fantastic paired with fluffy basmati rice, warm flatbreads, or a vibrant fattoush salad. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad also work beautifully to balance the rich meat and creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the koftas on mini pita pockets topped with the mint yoghurt sauce and pickled onions for an irresistible finger food. They also shine beautifully plated alongside a grain bowl or served family-style with bowls of different dips and salads for a festive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover koftas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are cooled to room temperature first to keep them juicy and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to prepare koftas ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Arrange shaped koftas on a baking tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw thoroughly before cooking.

Reheating

Reheat leftover koftas gently in a pan over low heat or in the oven until warmed through, so they don’t dry out. The mint yoghurt sauce is best served chilled, so keep it refrigerated until ready to enjoy again.

FAQs

What type of mince is best for kofta?

Lamb mince is traditional and adds a rich flavor, but beef mince works just as well and is easier to find in many places. You could also experiment with a mix of both for balanced taste and texture.

Can I make the kofta gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe naturally contains no gluten since it doesn’t include breadcrumbs or flour. Just be sure any additional sides you serve are gluten-free as well.

Is the mint jelly necessary for the sauce?

The mint jelly adds a lovely sweetness and helps create a smooth sauce texture. If you don’t have it, honey makes a great substitute, or you can use a bit of sugar to balance the tanginess.

Can I cook the kofta on a BBQ?

Yes! Cooking kofta on a BBQ grill is fantastic and adds a smoky depth to the flavor. Just be sure to soak wooden skewers beforehand if you’re using them to prevent burning.

How spicy is this kofta recipe?

The cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that can be easily adjusted to your taste—use less for mild, or skip it if you prefer no spice. The warm spices provide plenty of flavor without being overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the comforting aroma and bold flavors of my Easy Kofta with Mint Yoghurt Sauce Recipe. It’s a dish that brings friends and family together effortlessly, with every bite a perfect harmony of spice, freshness, and creaminess. I promise, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a treasured classic in your home too. So grab those ingredients and get cooking—the most delicious memories are waiting!

Easy Kofta with Mint Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need