The cuisines of North Africa and the Middle East influence these kaftas or lamb patties. Serve with a rose-infused minted yogurt sauce.

Makes 12 appetizer servings.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

For 1 serving
Calories: 138
Sodium: 199mg
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Cholesterol: 44mg
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g

Lamb Kaftas with Rose-Infused Dipping Sauce

Ingredients


Rose-Infused Dipping Sauce:
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup finely chopped, peeled and seeded cucumber
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon rose water

Lamb Kaftas:
1 pound ground lamb
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Poppy Seed
1 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Cumin, Ground
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Black Pepper, Coarse Grind
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Cinnamon, Saigon
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Red Pepper, Ground Cayenne
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons oil, divided
12 wooden skewers (6-inch)

Directions

1. For the Dipping Sauce, mix yogurt, cucumber, mint and rose water in medium bowl. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. For the Lamb Kaftas, mix lamb, onion, poppy seed, cumin, salt, black pepper, cinnamon and red pepper in large bowl. Add egg; mix well. Form 2 heaping tablespoons of the lamb mixture into a 3-inch long roll. Repeat with remaining lamb mixture to make about 12 kaftas.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add 1/2 of the kaftas; cook 7 minutes or until cooked through and browned on all sides. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining kaftas, adding remaining 1 tablespoon oil as needed.

4. To serve kaftas, carefully slide a wooden skewer lengthwise through center of each kafta. Serve with Dipping Sauce.

Tips

Test Kitchen Tip: Rose water is available in the international aisle of some supermarkets, online specialty stores, or Middle Eastern markets.