Mini Lamb Kofta Meatballs (Toddler-Friendly)
Mini Lamb Kofta Meatballs (Toddler-Friendly)
Ingredients
For the Mini Lamb Kofta Meatballs
- 1 pound ground lamb, lean
- 1/2 cup sourdough breadcrumbs, fine
- 1/4 cup onion, finely grated or pureed
- 1/2 cup carrot, finely grated or pureed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste, adjust for toddlers
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
For the Simple Yogurt Dip (Optional)
- 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Finely grate or puree the onion and carrot. This helps them blend seamlessly into the meatballs, making them more appealing for toddlers.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Combine kofta ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, sourdough breadcrumbs, grated onion, grated carrot, large egg, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and optional black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until all ingredients are well combined, but do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Form the meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into mini meatballs, roughly 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you form them.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the mini lamb kofta meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides and cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) in the center.
⏱️ 15 min
- 5
Prepare the yogurt dip (optional): While the meatballs are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the plain full-fat yogurt, finely chopped fresh mint, and optional lemon juice and salt.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Serve: Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and serve warm with the optional yogurt dip on the side. These are perfect for little hands!
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Mini Lamb Kofta Meatballs (Toddler-Friendly)
Ingredients
For the Mini Lamb Kofta Meatballs
- 1 pound ground lamb, lean
- 1/2 cup sourdough breadcrumbs, fine
- 1/4 cup onion, finely grated or pureed
- 1/2 cup carrot, finely grated or pureed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste, adjust for toddlers
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
For the Simple Yogurt Dip (Optional)
- 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Finely grate or puree the onion and carrot. This helps them blend seamlessly into the meatballs, making them more appealing for toddlers.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Combine kofta ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, sourdough breadcrumbs, grated onion, grated carrot, large egg, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and optional black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until all ingredients are well combined, but do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Form the meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into mini meatballs, roughly 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you form them.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the mini lamb kofta meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides and cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) in the center.
⏱️ 15 min - 5
Prepare the yogurt dip (optional): While the meatballs are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the plain full-fat yogurt, finely chopped fresh mint, and optional lemon juice and salt.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Serve: Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and serve warm with the optional yogurt dip on the side. These are perfect for little hands!
⏱️ 1 min