Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Sauce

The Lamb Kofta is made with ground lamb and fresh herbs and spices and is traditionally from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions.  It can be prepared as meatballs, meatloaf and sausages.  I am preparing it as a sausage for grilling, which gives an awesome char flavor to the lamb. Served with a fresh Tzatziki Sauce and Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (I’ll post these recipes soon) makes for a flavorful Mediterranean meal.

Lamb Kofta Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 3 cloves of fresh garlic, crushed and chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. white onion, grated
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. of ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. ground coriander
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped Parsley
  • Fresh onions, peppers and tomatoes (optional)
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water (optional)

Preparation & Cooking:

  • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl (I use my hands, it’s easier than trying to get it evenly mixed with a spoon.)
  • Divide into four (4) even portions and roll out in a sausage shape.
  • Place sausages and vegetables on the skews for grilling. (If you don’t want to serve with the vegetable, then skip the skewer.)
Lamb Kofta Kababs Ready for Grilling
  • Grill for 3 minutes per side (10-12 minutes) over med-high heat. I know there are no sides on sausage, but you’ll figure it out.
  • Plate them up!
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Sauce

Serve with a super fresh Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for a taste of the Middle East/Mediterranean with family and friends.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn

I was at lunch a with a friend of mine a few weeks ago and he mentioned Mexican Street Corn and how much he liked it.  It is usually served as corn on the cob that is roasted or grilled and then rolled in a creamy, spicy sauce, but he liked it better when it’s prepared off the cob.  I agree, and it’s a lot less messy.  I thought, “I can make that!”  I did a little research on this dish, and this is what I created.

Ingredients:

  • 6 Ears (4 Cups) of fresh sweet corn on the cob, husked
  • Spray vegetable oil
  • 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbs. sour cream
  • 1 Tbs. lime juice
  • 1 Tsp. chili powder
  • Pinch of cayenne
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 Cup crumbled queso fresco, divided
  • Lime wedges for serving

It is fresh sweet corn season here in West Michigan, so I picked up a couple dozen ears from William Bos Greenhouse & Farm in Grand Rapids, MI.

Preparation & Cooking:

  • Lightly spray the fresh corn on the cob with the vegetable oil.
  • Over medium heat on you grill roast the corn.
Fresh Sweet Corn
Grilled Sweet Corn
  • Roast for 3-minutes and then turn the corn. Turn the corn 4-5 times until it has a good amount of char all over.
  • Remove corn from the cob –  I use a chef’s knife and a cutting board inside of a cookie sheet to catch the corn.
    • Note – If you don’t have access to a grill, you can remove the corn from the cob and roast it in a frying pan (cast iron works great) over medium heat until you get the desired amount of browning that you like.
  • Mix all the other remaining ingredients (save 1/4 cup of queso fresco) until well incorporated.
Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Lime Juice and Spices
  • Mix in the warm roasted corn and top with the remining queso fresco and fresh lime slices.
Mexican Off The Street Corn