Juicy, spice-scented lamb kofta meets silky, roasted spaghetti squash and a cool, crunchy cucumber-yogurt sauce. Big flavor, weeknight timing, and autumn produce all in one. Serves 2.
Details
Ingredients
- Simple Truth® Natural Ground Lamb 12 oz (340 g) sale $9.49/lb
- Organic Spaghetti Squash 1 small (about 1.5–2 lb) sale $1.49/lb
- Organic Cucumber 1/2 medium, finely diced $1.49 each
- Plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup
- Garlic 3 cloves, minced (divided)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro 1/4 cup, chopped (divided)
- Ground cumin 1 tsp
- Ground coriander 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika 1 tsp
- Cinnamon 1/8 tsp
- Red pepper flakes Pinch
- Lemon or lime 1 (2 tbsp juice + extra wedges)
- Olive oil 2 tbsp, divided
- Salt & black pepper To taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Halve squash lengthwise, scoop seeds, rub cut sides with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt/pepper. Place cut-side down on a sheet pan and roast 30–35 min until strands pull easily with a fork.
- Make kofta mix: in a bowl combine lamb, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped herbs, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Mix gently, then form 8 small torpedo-shaped kofta (or patties).
- Cucumber-yogurt: mix yogurt, remaining 1 clove garlic, remaining herbs (reserve a pinch), 1 tbsp lemon/lime juice, a pinch of salt. Stir in diced cucumber. Chill.
- Grill or pan-sear: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high, oil grates. Cook kofta 3–4 min per side until browned and 160°F internal (about 8–10 min total).
- Finish squash: Flip roasted squash, shred strands with a fork. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon/lime juice, remaining pinch of herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Mound squash on plates, top with kofta, spoon cucumber-yogurt over or alongside. Add lemon/lime wedges.
Health notes: Approx. 650–700 calories/serving. High protein, moderate fat, lower-carb when served with spaghetti squash; gluten-free if you skip pita. Rich in vitamin A and potassium from squash.
Drink pairing: Washington Syrah or GSM; beer lovers: citrusy IPA. Mint tea works great, too.