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Flavorful Lamb Kofta Sliders with Harissa Mayo and Mint Yogurt

lamb kofta sliders - featured image

These lamb kofta sliders combine bold Middle Eastern spices with fresh herbs, served with spicy harissa mayo and cooling mint yogurt for a quick, flavorful meal perfect for entertaining or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground lamb (preferably grass-fed)
  • 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 12 tbsp harissa paste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (for harissa mayo)
  • Pinch of salt (for harissa mayo)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (full fat or low-fat)
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped (for yogurt sauce)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (for yogurt sauce)
  • Salt to taste (for yogurt sauce)
  • Slider buns or small pita pockets (soft brioche recommended)
  • Lettuce leaves or baby spinach (optional)
  • Thinly sliced red onions or pickled onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil and mix gently but thoroughly by hand, avoiding overworking the meat.
  2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into small oval patties about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick. Lightly wet hands to prevent sticking.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, harissa paste, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust harissa amount to desired heat level.
  4. In another small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped mint, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to prevent sticking. Cook kofta patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F). Avoid pressing patties while cooking.
  6. Lightly toast slider buns or pita pockets. Spread harissa mayo on the bottom bun, place a lamb kofta patty on top, add a dollop of mint yogurt sauce, then layer with lettuce and onions. Top with the bun lid.
  7. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If patties fall apart, add a small pinch of breadcrumbs to bind. Harissa mayo can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free option. Avoid overworking meat to keep koftas tender. Rest patties a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: lamb kofta, sliders, harissa mayo, mint yogurt, Middle Eastern, quick dinner, easy recipe, lamb patties, spicy mayo, fresh herbs