These African lamb koftas are fragrant with mint and coriander, which cut through the richness of lamb and bring balance. Grilled until smoky and juicy, they pair beautifully with fresh salad and a cooling yoghurt dip, making them a versatile dish for every season.
The onion and garlic need to be finely prepared so they melt into the lamb mixture rather than staying chunky. Mixing by hand helps the spices bind into the mince, giving you a more even texture.
Once shaped, the skewers should be chilled briefly in the fridge so they hold together better during cooking.
To grill, heat the barbecue until the coals are glowing and place the skewers directly over the heat. They should cook for 8–10 minutes, turned every couple of minutes until evenly charred. For oven cooking, place the skewers on a tray, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake at 200°C (fan 180°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden. You can also pan-fry them in a hot skillet for about 8 minutes, turning frequently.