Jake's Koftas

This is actually a recipe that my brother found by googling, but my boys refer to them as "Uncle Jake's Koftas" and they are really, really delicious--maybe better than the other recipe I have. They are delicious little spiced meatballs that are fantastic when dipped in a simple yogurt sauce. In our house, this recipe serves two.

2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
2 T. minced onion
2 T. yogurt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. coriender
1 tsp. turmeric
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 lb. ground lamb

Mix all ingredients together very thoroughly, and form into slightly flattened balls (about golf-ball size). Traditionally, these would be cooked on skewers, I believe, but since all we have is a cast-iron pan, we cook them on this (medium-high), turning as necessary until browned and delicious.

The leftover fat in the pan is great for seasoning vegetables.

Note: be careful while forming the koftas, because if the mixture falls onto a stainable surface, the turmeric will leave its trademark yellow color behind for months!)

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