Pumpkin-Spiced Lamb Koftas

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground lamb
• 1 cup pumpkin, grated
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg large, beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 8 leaves butter lettuce, washed
• 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1. 01
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   In a large bowl, combine lamb, grated pumpkin, red onion, garlic, ginger paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, black pepper, beaten egg, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.
3. 03
   Shape the mixture into 16 small koftas, about the size of golf balls.
4. 04
   Place the koftas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush lightly with olive oil.
5. 05
   Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the koftas are browned and cooked through.
6. 06
   While the koftas are baking, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. 07
   Serve the koftas warm, wrapped in butter lettuce leaves with a dollop of lemon yogurt.