Bob's Kabobs

Chef John's kofta kabobs are made with spiced ground lamb and served with a garlicky lemon yogurt sauce for dipping. They're perfect for grilling season!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 301 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ground sumac
• 8 bamboo skewers
• 2 teaspoons Aleppo chile flakes
• 0.25 cup water, or as needed
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor charcoal grill to medium-high heat.

Step 2

Grill kabobs over charcoal, turning occasionally, until browned and firm, 10 to 12 minutes total. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a kabob should read at least 135 degrees F (57 degrees C). Serve with yogurt sauce.

Step 3

Make the spice blend: Combine cumin, coriander, chile flakes, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon in a small bowl; mix well to combine. Set about 1/3 of the spice blend aside in a small bowl and mix with sumac.

Step 4

Make the kabobs: Place remaining spice blend in a mixing bowl with ground lamb and cold water. Mix by hand until thoroughly combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Place bamboo skewers in water to soak while the meat is chilling.

Step 5

Remove meat from the refrigerator and roll into eight equal-sized meatballs using slightly damp hands. Skewer each meatball through the center and shape into an oval, about 3 inches long. Use your fingers to taper each end of the kabob down to a point where it meets the skewer. Place onto a plate and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes, or until ready to grill.

Step 6

Make the yogurt sauce: Whisk Greek yogurt, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water together in a bowl until smooth and combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 7

Remove kabobs from the refrigerator and sprinkle reserved spice blend over top.