Lamb Kofta in Tomato Sauce
Spiced lamb kofta simmered in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by smoky paprika and served with a swirl of creamy Greek-style yoghurt and fresh parsley.
TOTAL TIME
1 hr 23 min
ACTIVE TIME
32 min
QUANTITY
16 pieces · ~1.55 kg
DIFFICULTY
Easy
CUISINE
—
Who’s eating
A
People here are for suitability — allergies, preferences and what to watch for. Portion sizing is off for this recipe.
Ingredients0/16
Tools0/15
Ingredients0/16 gathered · 4 servings
2piece
7clove
30g
500g
3tsp
1tsp
2tsp
1tsp
2tsp
0.5tsp
2tbsp
0.5tsp
400g
200ml
1tsp
4tbsp| # | Product | Quantity | Notes | State | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 2piece | — | — | |
| 2 | | 7clove | — | — | |
| 3 | | 30g | — | — | |
| 4 | | 500g | — | — | |
| 5 | | 3tsp | — | — | |
| 6 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 7 | | 2tsp | — | — | |
| 8 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 9 | | 2tsp | — | — | |
| 10 | | 0.5tsp | — | — | |
| 11 | | 2tbsp | — | — | |
| 12 | | 0.5tsp | — | — | |
| 13 | | 400g | — | — | |
| 14 | | 200ml | — | — | |
| 15 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 16 | | 4tbsp | — | — |
Tools16 items
Serveware1 item
Procedure52 steps
1 of 52
Lay one onion on the chopping board.
Yellow onion · 1 piece
⏱ 5s
ResultYellow onion2 of 52
Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled onion halves4 of 52
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
Garlic clove · 4 clove⏱ 5s
ResultGarlic clove5 of 52
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled garlic cloves8 of 52
Lay the parsley on the board.
Flat-leaf parsley · 30 g⏱ 5s
ResultFlat-leaf parsley11 of 52
Add the minced lamb.
Minced lamb · 500 g
⏱ 10s
ResultKofta base and mince12 of 52
Add 2 teaspoons of the ground cumin.
Ground cumin · 2 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with ground cumin13 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the ground coriander.
Ground coriander · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with ground coriander14 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.
Smoked paprika · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with smoked paprika15 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultKofta mix with ground cinnamon16 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.
Salt · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSalted kofta mix17 of 52
Add half a teaspoon of pepper.
Ground black pepper · 0.5 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSeasoned kofta mix18 of 52
Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.
⏱ 1 min 30s
ResultKofta mixture19 of 52
With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray.
Into 16 equal portions
⏱ 5 min
ResultShaped kofta20 of 52
Put the tray in the fridge.
⏱ 10s
ResultShaped kofta21 of 52
Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.
⏱ 20 min
ResultChilled kofta23 of 52
Lay the onion on the chopping board.
Yellow onion · 1 piece⏱ 5s
ResultYellow onion24 of 52
Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled onion halves27 of 52
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
Garlic clove · 3 clove⏱ 5s
ResultGarlic clove28 of 52
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
⏱ 30s
ResultPeeled garlic cloves31 of 52
Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.
Extra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp
⏱ 5s
ResultExtra-virgin olive oil32 of 52
Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.
⏱ 1 min
ResultHot oil34 of 52
Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.
⏱ 6 min
ResultBrowned kofta36 of 52
Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.
Extra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbspBrowned kofta · step 35⏱ 5s
ResultFat and oil37 of 52
Add the onion and garlic.
⏱ 10s
ResultOnion and garlic in oil38 of 52
Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.
⏱ 7 min
ResultSoft onion base39 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cumin.
Ground cumin · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSauce base with ground cumin40 of 52
Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.
Smoked paprika · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSauce base with smoked paprika41 of 52
Add 0.5 teaspoons of the chilli flakes.
Chilli flakes · 0.5 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSauce base with chilli flakes42 of 52
Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
⏱ 30s
ResultSpiced onion base43 of 52
Tip in the chopped tomatoes.
Tinned chopped tomatoes · 400 g⏱ 10s
ResultSpiced tomatoes44 of 52
Pour in the passata.
Passata · 200 ml⏱ 10s
ResultTomatoes and passata45 of 52
Add the sugar.
Caster sugar · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSweetened tomatoes46 of 52
Add the rest of the salt.
Salt · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSeasoned tomato sauce47 of 52
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.
⏱ 10 min
ResultTomato sauce48 of 52
Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.
⏱ 20s
ResultKofta and sauce49 of 52
Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.
⏱ 10s
50 of 52
Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 71 °C on a thermometer.
⏱ 15 min
ResultKofta in tomato sauce51 of 52
Spoon the kofta and sauce into 4 warm shallow bowls.
Into 4 equal portions
⏱ 40s
ResultPlated kofta52 of 52
Swirl a spoonful of the yoghurt into each bowl and serve.
Greek-style yoghurt · 4 tbsp⏱ 20s
ResultLamb Kofta in Tomato SauceTotal Time1 hr 23 min
| # | Product | Tool | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 piece | | Lay one onion on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultYellow onion |
| 2 | Yellow onionstep 1 | | Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled onion halves |
| 3 | Peeled onion halvesstep 2 |  | Grate it coarsely into the large bowl.⏱ 1 minResultGrated onion |
| 4 | 4 clove | | Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultGarlic clove |
| 5 | Garlic clovestep 4 | | Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled garlic cloves |
| 6 | Peeled garlic clovesstep 5 | | Chop the garlic finely.⏱ 45sResultChopped garlic |
| 7 | Chopped garlicstep 6 | | Add the garlic to the onion.⏱ 5sResultOnion and garlic |
| 8 | 30 g | | Lay the parsley on the board.⏱ 5sResultFlat-leaf parsley |
| 9 | Flat-leaf parsleystep 8 | | Chop the leaves finely.⏱ 40sResultFinely chopped parsley |
| 10 | Finely chopped parsleystep 9 | | Add the parsley to the bowl.⏱ 5sResultKofta base |
| 11 | 500 g | | Add the minced lamb.⏱ 10sResultKofta base and mince |
| 12 | 2 tsp | | Add 2 teaspoons of the ground cumin.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with ground cumin |
| 13 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the ground coriander.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with ground coriander |
| 14 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with smoked paprika |
| 15 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon.⏱ 5sResultKofta mix with ground cinnamon |
| 16 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.⏱ 5sResultSalted kofta mix |
| 17 | 0.5 tsp | | Add half a teaspoon of pepper.⏱ 5sResultSeasoned kofta mix |
| 18 | — | | Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.⏱ 1 min 30sResultKofta mixture |
| 19 | Kofta mixturestep 18 | With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray. → Into 16 equal portions⏱ 5 minResultShaped kofta | |
| 20 | — | | Put the tray in the fridge.⏱ 10sResultShaped kofta |
| 21 | — | Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.⏱ 20 minResultChilled kofta | |
| 22 | — | | Take the tray out of the fridge.⏱ 10sResultChilled koftaused in step 33 |
| 23 | 1 piece | | Lay the onion on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultYellow onion |
| 24 | Yellow onionstep 23 | | Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled onion halves |
| 25 | Peeled onion halvesstep 24 | | Dice it finely.⏱ 1 min 30sResultDiced onion |
| 26 | Diced onionstep 25 |  | Put the onion in the medium bowl.⏱ 5sResultDiced onion |
| 27 | 3 clove | | Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultGarlic clove |
| 28 | Garlic clovestep 27 | | Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.⏱ 30sResultPeeled garlic cloves |
| 29 | Peeled garlic clovesstep 28 | | Chop the garlic finely.⏱ 45sResultChopped garlic |
| 30 | Chopped garlicstep 29 | | Add the garlic to the onion.⏱ 5sResultOnion and garlic for the sauceused in step 37 |
| 31 | 1 tbsp | | Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.⏱ 5sResultExtra-virgin olive oil |
| 32 | — | | Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.⏱ 1 minResultHot oil |
| 33 | Chilled koftastep 22 | | Add the kofta in a single layer.⏱ 30sResultKofta frying |
| 34 | — | | Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.⏱ 6 minResultBrowned kofta |
| 35 | Browned koftastep 34 |  | Lift them onto the plate.⏱ 20sResultBrowned koftaused in step 48 |
| 36 | 1 tbsp | | Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.⏱ 5sResultFat and oil |
| Browned koftastep 35 | |||
| 37 | Onion and garlic for the saucestep 30 | | Add the onion and garlic.⏱ 10sResultOnion and garlic in oil |
| 38 | — | | Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.⏱ 7 minResultSoft onion base |
| 39 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cumin.⏱ 5sResultSauce base with ground cumin |
| 40 | 1 tsp | | Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.⏱ 5sResultSauce base with smoked paprika |
| 41 | 0.5 tsp | | Add 0.5 teaspoons of the chilli flakes.⏱ 5sResultSauce base with chilli flakes |
| 42 | — | | Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.⏱ 30sResultSpiced onion base |
| 43 | 400 g | | Tip in the chopped tomatoes.⏱ 10sResultSpiced tomatoes |
| 44 | 200 ml | | Pour in the passata.⏱ 10sResultTomatoes and passata |
| 45 | 1 tsp | | Add the sugar.⏱ 5sResultSweetened tomatoes |
| 46 | 1 tsp | | Add the rest of the salt.⏱ 5sResultSeasoned tomato sauce |
| 47 | — | | Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.⏱ 10 minResultTomato sauce |
| 48 | Browned koftastep 35 | | Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.⏱ 20sResultKofta and sauce |
| 49 | — | | Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.⏱ 10s |
| 50 | — | | Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 71 °C on a thermometer.⏱ 15 minResultKofta in tomato sauce |
| 51 | Kofta in tomato saucestep 50 | | Spoon the kofta and sauce into 4 warm shallow bowls. → Into 4 equal portions⏱ 40sResultPlated kofta |
| 52 | 4 tbsp | | Swirl a spoonful of the yoghurt into each bowl and serve.⏱ 20sResultLamb Kofta in Tomato Sauce |
| Total Time | 1 hr 23 min | ||
Nutritionper serving
Estimated · pre-cooking · 100% ingredients covered
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| 522kcal | |
| 37g | |
| 35g | |
| 12g | |
| 22g | |
| 8g | |
| 5g | |
| 1,428mg |
Ingredients0/16
Tools0/15
Recipe
Lamb Kofta in Tomato Sauce
Spiced lamb kofta simmered in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by smoky paprika and served with a swirl of creamy Greek-style yoghurt and fresh parsley.
What you’ll doYou will mix minced lamb with grated onion, garlic, parsley and warm spices, shape 16 kofta and chill them. Brown them in a deep frying pan, build a smoky tomato and passata sauce in the same pan, then simmer the kofta in it, covered, until cooked through. Serve with a swirl of Greek yoghurt.
Serves4
Total1 hr 23 min
LevelMedium
Ingredients
- Yellow onion2 piece
- Garlic clove7 clove
- Flat-leaf parsley30 g
- Minced lamb500 g
- Ground cumin3 tsp
- Ground coriander1 tsp
- Smoked paprika2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon1 tsp
- Salt2 tsp
- Ground black pepper0.5 tsp
- Extra-virgin olive oil2 tbsp
- Chilli flakes0.5 tsp
- Tinned chopped tomatoes400 g
- Passata200 ml
- Caster sugar1 tsp
- Greek-style yoghurt4 tbsp
Tools
SpoonPan lidTongsChef's knifeMedium bowlLarge bowlWooden spoonRefrigeratorShallow bowlBox graterLarge deep frying panCooking thermometerTrayPlateChopping boardThermometer
Method
1
Lay one onion on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardYellow onion · 1 piece
2
Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeYellow onion · step 1
3
Grate it coarsely into the large bowl.
1 minLarge bowl, Box graterPeeled onion halves · step 2
4
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardGarlic clove · 4 clove
5
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic clove · step 4
6
Chop the garlic finely.
45sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 5
7
Add the garlic to the onion.
5sLarge bowlChopped garlic · step 6
8
Lay the parsley on the board.
5sChopping boardFlat-leaf parsley · 30 g
9
Chop the leaves finely.
40sChopping board, Chefs knifeFlat-leaf parsley · step 8
10
Add the parsley to the bowl.
5sLarge bowlFinely chopped parsley · step 9
11
Add the minced lamb.
10sLarge bowlMinced lamb · 500 g
12
Add 2 teaspoons of the ground cumin.
5sLarge bowlGround cumin · 2 tsp
13
Add 1 teaspoon of the ground coriander.
5sLarge bowlGround coriander · 1 tsp
14
Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.
5sLarge bowlSmoked paprika · 1 tsp
15
Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon.
5sLarge bowlGround cinnamon · 1 tsp
16
Add 1 teaspoon of the salt.
5sLarge bowlSalt · 1 tsp
17
Add half a teaspoon of pepper.
5sLarge bowlGround black pepper · 0.5 tsp
18
Mix with the wooden spoon for a minute or two, until evenly combined and slightly sticky.
1 min 30sLarge bowl, Wooden spoon
19
With wet hands, shape into 16 short, plump sausages and lay them on the tray. → Into 16 equal portions
5 minTrayKofta mixture · step 18
20
Put the tray in the fridge.
10sTray, Refrigerator
21
Chill for 20 minutes so they hold their shape.
20 minTray
22
Take the tray out of the fridge.
Result · Chilled kofta · used in step 33
10sTray, Refrigerator
23
Lay the onion on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardYellow onion · 1 piece
24
Cut it in half through the root and peel off the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeYellow onion · step 23
25
Dice it finely.
1 min 30sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled onion halves · step 24
26
Put the onion in the medium bowl.
5sMedium bowlDiced onion · step 25
27
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardGarlic clove · 3 clove
28
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
30sChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic clove · step 27
29
Chop the garlic finely.
45sChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 28
30
Add the garlic to the onion.
Result · Onion and garlic for the sauce · used in step 37
5sMedium bowlChopped garlic · step 29
31
Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the large deep frying pan.
5sLarge deep frying panExtra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp
32
Heat over a medium-high heat until shimmering.
1 minLarge deep frying pan
33
Add the kofta in a single layer.
30sLarge deep frying pan, TongsChilled kofta · step 22
34
Brown for about 6 minutes, turning, until coloured all over; they will finish cooking in the sauce.
6 minLarge deep frying pan, Tongs
35
Lift them onto the plate.
Result · Browned kofta · used in step 48
20sPlate, TongsBrowned kofta · step 34
36
Add the second tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium.
5sLarge deep frying panExtra-virgin olive oil · 1 tbsp
37
Add the onion and garlic.
10sLarge deep frying panOnion and garlic for the sauce · step 30
38
Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.
7 minLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon
39
Add 1 teaspoon of the ground cumin.
5sLarge deep frying panGround cumin · 1 tsp
40
Add 1 teaspoon of the smoked paprika.
5sLarge deep frying panSmoked paprika · 1 tsp
41
Add 0.5 teaspoons of the chilli flakes.
5sLarge deep frying panChilli flakes · 0.5 tsp
42
Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
30sLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon
43
Tip in the chopped tomatoes.
10sLarge deep frying panTinned chopped tomatoes · 400 g
44
Pour in the passata.
10sLarge deep frying panPassata · 200 ml
45
Add the sugar.
5sLarge deep frying panCaster sugar · 1 tsp
46
Add the rest of the salt.
5sLarge deep frying panSalt · 1 tsp
47
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until slightly thickened.
10 minLarge deep frying pan, Wooden spoon
48
Return the kofta and their juices to the sauce.
20sLarge deep frying pan, TongsBrowned kofta · step 35
49
Cover with the lid and turn the heat to low.
10sLarge deep frying pan, Pan lid
50
Simmer for about 15 minutes, turning the kofta once, until the middle of the largest one reads 71 °C on a thermometer.
15 minLarge deep frying pan, Thermometer
51
Spoon the kofta and sauce into 4 warm shallow bowls. → Into 4 equal portions
40sShallow bowl, SpoonKofta in tomato sauce · step 50
52
Swirl a spoonful of the yoghurt into each bowl and serve.
Result · Lamb Kofta in Tomato Sauce
20sShallow bowl, SpoonGreek-style yoghurt · 4 tbsp
Printed 6 October 2026