Lamb Kofta & Lebanese Spicy Potatoes

Lamb Kofta

Serves 3-4

INGREDIENTS:

· 600g lamb mince
· 1 tsp garlic, finely chopped
· 1/2 red onion, chopped
· 1/4 cup fresh coriander, finely chopped
· 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
· 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
· 1/2 tbsp paprika, ground
· 1/2 tbsp cumin, ground
· 3/4 tsp allspice
· 1/4 tsp ginger, ground
· 1/4 tsp chilli, ground
· Salt & pepper to taste
· ½ lemon.
· 30ml soda water

Directions

1. Combine onion, garlic, coriander, parsley, mint, paprika, cumin, allspice, ginger, and chilli in a large bowl. Place your lamb into a separate bowl and using a hand blender tenderise the meat by blitzing it in 3 or 4 short bursts (optional). Add the meat to the spices/herbs, salt and pepper and combine thoroughly. Next, slowly add the soda water to meat/spice mixture to form a smooth paste. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

2. Remove lamb mixture from the fridge and divide into 6 portions. Mould each portion into a sausage like shape approx. 4 –5 inches long and place a steel or wooden skewer through the middle. Cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes.

3. Brush the kofta’s with olive oil and cook for 10-12 minutes under a medium-hot grill, turning frequently and basting with oil occasionally until they are evenly browned and cooked through.

4. Sprinkle with lemon juice before serving (optional).


Lebanese Spicy Potatoes

Serves 3-4

INGREDIENTS:

Four large potatoes, skinned and diced

4 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic crushed
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander
1/4 tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp mixed spice
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a saucepan, parboil potatoes for 5 minutes or until nearly cooked. Potatoes are ready when you can insert a fork neatly into a piece (with the potato still holding its shape nicely and not crumbling). When ready, drain the potatoes and leave aside in the strainer until needed.

Next, mix together garlic and rest of ingredients (EXCEPT POTATOES) in a small bowl.

Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan. Now, add your well-drained potatoes and coat well with oil. Fry the potatoes for a minute or two until it browns slightly. Next, stir in the rest of your ingredients, making sure potatoes are well coated in the seasoning. Add, salt & pepper to taste. Cook for another minute or two and serve immediately.