Juicy spiced lamb kofta seared to smoky perfection, paired with caramelized butternut squash and a crisp apple–kale tabbouleh. It’s cozy, fall-forward, and weeknight-fast with big, bright flavors.
Details
Ingredients
- Simple Truth® Natural Ground Lamb 12 oz 1 lb price 10.99 sale 9.49 (use 12 oz)
- Organic Butternut Squash 1 lb, peeled and 1-inch cubed 1 lb price 1.99 sale 1.49
- Organic Lacinato Kale 1/2 bunch, finely chopped (about 3 cups){ 1 ct price 2.99
- Kroger® Fuji Apples – 3 lb bag 1 medium apple, diced 3 lb price 4.99 (use 1 apple)
- Organic Yellow Onion 1/2 small, grated (for kofta) + 2 tbsp finely diced (for salad) 1 each price 1.99 (use half)
- Organic Italian Parsley 1/4 cup finely chopped each price 1.99
- Organic Garlic 3 cloves, minced 1 lb price 6.99 (use 3 cloves)
- Ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cinnamon 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp paprika, pinch cinnamon
- Olive oil 3 tbsp, divided
- Lemon 1, juiced (plus extra wedges to serve)
- Salt & black pepper To taste
- Plain yogurt (optional, for sauce) 1/2 cup + 1 tsp lemon juice + pinch salt
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Toss butternut with 1.5 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan until browned and tender, 22–28 minutes, tossing once.
- Make kofta mix: In a bowl, combine lamb, grated onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, parsley, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp paprika, pinch cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Shape into 6 small ovals (or onto skewers).
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high. Brush kofta with 1/2 tbsp oil. Grill 8–10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until browned and 160°F internal.
- Apple–kale tabbouleh: In a bowl, massage chopped kale with 1 tbsp lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp olive oil for 30 seconds. Fold in diced apple, 2 tbsp finely diced onion, and a spoonful of parsley. Adjust salt/pepper and a splash more lemon if needed.
- Optional sauce: Stir yogurt with 1 tsp lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and remaining minced garlic clove.
- Plate: Spoon roasted squash onto plates, add kofta, and a mound of apple–kale tabbouleh. Drizzle yogurt sauce and serve with lemon wedges.
Health notes: Approx. 650–700 kcal per serving. High-protein, rich in fiber and beta-carotene from squash; moderate fat from lamb and olive oil. Gluten-free; add whole-grain pita only if desired.
Drink pairing: WA Syrah or Grenache; for non-alcoholic, mint tea with lemon.