Minted lamb kofta and halloumi skewers with minted cucumber yogurt

Now, if you happen to have a summer barbecue planned, this recipe may be just what you are looking for. Of course you could just enjoy them for a nice indoor dinner too - what would you choose?

Ingredients
Serves 4
2 red onions
500g lamb mince
125g halloumi, cut into 16 pieces
½ tbsp ground cumin
3 tsp dried mint
¼ tsp crushed chilli flakes
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
5 vine ripened tomatoes, halved and finely sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
250g Greek-style natural yogurt
¼ cucumber, seeds scooped out and chopped

Method
1. Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a small pan. Dice 1 of the red onions and add it to the pan. Cook over a medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until softened but not coloured, then remove to a plate to cool.

2. Place the lamb mince in a bowl and combine with the cumin, 2 tsp mint, chilli, garlic and cooled onion. Season to taste, then shape into 24 ovals. Place 3 of these on each skewer with 2 pieces of halloumi inbetween. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Meanwhile, slice the second red onion. Combine with the tomatoes, lemon juice, red wine vinegar and olive oil, then season to taste and set aside. Combine the yogurt with the cucumber and remaining mint, then set aside.

4. Once the lamb skewers have chilled, heat a griddle pan over a medium/high heat. Brush the remaining oil over the skewers and place on the griddle pan (you may need to do this in two batches). Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until just cooked through and keep warm.

5. Once all the kebabs are cooked, divide them between 4 plates and top with the tomato salad and the cucumber yogurt.

Each serving provides:
13.4g carbohydrate 3.2g fibre 33.4g protein 39.3g fat

Recipe idea from here

Happy Summer Eating

All the best Jan