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Spiced Greek Lamb Kefta with Lemon Orzo

Author Karen @ The Tasty Bite

Ingredients

  • For lamb kefta:
  • 1 lb ground lamb or a mix of ground lamb and lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion grated
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
  • ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • For lemon orzo:
  • 1 ½ cups dried orzo cooked until tender and drained
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp grated lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the lamb kefta and mix together until evenly combined. Refrigerate mixture for at least 1 hour.
  • Form lamb mixture into a 5” cylinder shape around a skewer, flattening slightly.
  • Drizzle with oil and cook on a grill or grill pan over medium high heat, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked to desired doneness, about 8 minutes for medium. Do not overcook or the kefta will be dry.
  • Meanwhile, toss cooked orzo with butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve kefta with lemon orzo.

Notes

*Lamb mixture can be made up to one day ahead; keep chilled.