Sweet & Savory Harmony: Spiced Lamb Kofta with Cherry Mint Sauce

 

Craving a flavor explosion? These lamb kofta meatballs are getting a sweet & savory upgrade with a juicy cherry mint sauce!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground lamb

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon grated garlic

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground clove

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Couscous, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, red onion, mint, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, allspice, clove, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly combined.

Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Form the lamb mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the kofta meatballs in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown on all sides.

Remove the kofta from the pan and set aside on a plate. Add the red wine to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.

Stir in the cherries and chicken broth. Bring back to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cherries soften slightly.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch (if using) with 1 tablespoon of water. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Add the cooked kofta meatballs back to the pan with the cherry mint sauce. Gently spoon the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through.

Serve the Spiced Lamb Kofta with Cherry Mint Sauce over a bed of fluffy couscous (optional) and garnish with additional fresh mint.

Tips:

You can substitute ground beef or chicken for the ground lamb in this recipe.

If you don't have fresh cherries, you can use dried cherries that have been soaked in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the sauce.

For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the red wine reduction.