Juicy, spice-kissed lamb kofta grilled to a smoky char, nestled alongside lemony, fluffy couscous and sweet, caramelized delicata squash. It’s a fast, restaurant-worthy Mediterranean plate bursting with fall flavors.
Details
Ingredients
- Simple Truth® Natural Ground Lamb 10 oz sale $8.00 per lb
- Frieda's Squash Delicata 1 medium (~1 lb), seeded and sliced 1/2-inch thick $1.29/lb
- Kroger® Yellow Onion (3 lb bag) 1/4 medium, grated or very finely minced $2.99 per 3 lb bag
- Organic Garlic 2 cloves, minced (divided) $6.99/lb
- Organic Italian Parsley 1/4 bunch, finely chopped (plus more for garnish) $1.99 each
- Ground cumin 1 tsp
- Ground coriander 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika 1/2 tsp
- Kosher salt 1 1/4 tsp, divided
- Black pepper 1 tsp, divided
- Olive oil 2 tbsp, divided
- Lemon 1 (zest and juice divided)
- Couscous (instant) 2/3 cup dry
- Water or low-sodium stock 3/4 cup, hot
- Plain yogurt (optional sauce) 1/3 cup
- Ground sumac or extra lemon (optional) to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Toss delicata slices with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan until tender and caramelized, 18–22 minutes, flipping once.
- Mix kofta: In a bowl combine ground lamb, onion, half the garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Zest half the lemon into the bowl. Gently mix and form 6–8 small oval patties (or shape onto skewers).
- Grill/pan-sear: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high. Lightly oil grates/pan. Cook kofta 3–4 minutes per side until browned and 160°F internal.
- Make couscous: In a small pot, bring the water/stock to a simmer. Stir in couscous, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp olive oil. Cover off heat 5 minutes, then fluff. Add remaining lemon zest and half the lemon juice; season to taste.
- Quick lemon-garlic yogurt (optional): Stir yogurt with remaining garlic, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Finish and serve: Squeeze remaining lemon juice over kofta and squash. Plate with couscous, garnish with parsley and a pinch of sumac or extra lemon. Serve yogurt alongside.
Health notes: Approx. 720–760 kcal per serving. High protein; includes whole grain/starch (couscous) and a fiber-rich seasonal squash. To lighten, use 8 oz lamb total and add extra parsley and cucumbers.
Drink pairing: Red: Grenache or Syrah. Beer: Hoppy pale ale or IPA. Non-alc: Sparkling water with lemon and mint.