Jamie Oliver Lamb Kofta

This easy Jamie Oliver Lamb Kofta recipe is packed with bold spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant sides. It’s quick to make, juicy and flavorful, and comes together beautifully with a cool yoghurt sauce and couscous salad. I made this for a midweek dinner and was so impressed with the balance of flavors—it felt like a mini feast without the fuss. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 100g (3.5 oz) wholewheat couscous
• 1 lemon
• 25g (0.9 oz) dried apricots
• 25g (0.9 oz) shelled unsalted pistachios
• 250g (8.8 oz) higher-welfare lamb mince
• 1 tsp ras el hanout
• Olive oil
• ½ small red onion
• Red wine vinegar
• ½ bunch (15g / 0.5 oz) flat-leaf parsley
• ½ bunch (15g / 0.5 oz) mint
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 x 400g (14 oz) tin of chickpeas
• 1 tbsp harissa paste
• 4 tbsp Greek yoghurt

How To Make Jamie Oliver Lamb Kofta

1. Prepare the Couscous: Place the couscous in a bowl and finely grate the lemon zest over it. Pour just enough boiling water to cover, then cover the bowl and set aside to steam.
2. Make the Lamb Mixture: While the couscous is soaking, finely chop the dried apricots and pistachios. Add them to a bowl with the lamb mince, ras el hanout, salt, and pepper. Fluff up the couscous with a fork and mix one-third of it into the lamb mixture. Use your hands to combine it all thoroughly.
3. Shape the Koftas: Divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal parts and shape them into koftas—slightly oval, sausage-like forms. Press lightly to create some texture on the surface.
4. Cook the Koftas: Spritz them with olive oil and cook in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes. Give them a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Pickle the Onions: Peel and finely slice the red onion. In a small bowl, mix with a pinch of salt and two tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Scrunch them together with your hands and set aside to pickle.
6. Make the Couscous Salad: Chop the parsley and mint finely. Add them to the remaining couscous along with a squeeze of lemon juice, a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and the drained chickpeas. Toss everything together and season to taste.
7. Serve: Spoon the couscous salad onto plates and arrange the lamb koftas on top. Swirl the harissa paste through the Greek yoghurt and add a generous dollop on the side. Garnish with pickled onions and extra lemon wedges.

Why I Love This Recipe

I threw this together on a Wednesday night and it felt like something from a weekend menu. The spice in the koftas pairs so well with the sweet apricots and crunch of pistachios, and the herby couscous and creamy yoghurt bring everything into harmony. It’s one of those meals that’s impressive yet totally doable.

Recipe Tips

• Shape the koftas firmly so they don’t fall apart while cooking
• Lemon zest in couscous adds essential brightness—don’t skip it!
• Let the onions sit in vinegar for at least 10 minutes to soften the sharpness
• Keep an eye on the koftas so they stay juicy and don’t overcook
• Harissa can be spicy—adjust to your liking when swirling into yoghurt

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Lamb Kofta

• At Room Temperature: Leave out only for serving. Refrigerate within 2 hours.
• In the Fridge: Store cooled koftas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: Freeze cooled koftas in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until heated through, shaking halfway.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use beef or chicken instead of lamb?
  Yes, but lamb gives it that classic Middle Eastern flavor. Chicken works for a lighter version.
• What if I don’t have ras el hanout?
  Try a mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika as a quick substitute.
• Can I cook these in the oven?
  Absolutely! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.
• What’s a good vegetarian swap?
  You can try mashed chickpeas or lentils with similar seasonings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 piece (30g)

• Calories: 721
• Total Fat: 32.8g
• Saturated Fat: 9.3g
• Total Carbohydrate: 64.4g
• Dietary Fiber: 12.4g
• Sugars: 10.5g
• Protein: 43.4g

Try More Jamie Oliver Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Teriyaki Pork Ribs
• Jamie Oliver Teardrop Gnocchetti
• Jamie Oliver Sweet Chilli Tofu
• Jamie Oliver Sticky Aubergine Noodles