These delicately spiced koftas offer a delightful culinary experience, best enjoyed nestled in crisp lettuce wraps. Imagine savoring the savory, aromatic flavors of the koftas, complemented by a generous dollop of authentic Greek tzatziki, a sprinkle of salty cheese, and the creamy richness of avocado slices. This dish makes for a satisfying and flavorful main meal, perfectly balanced in taste and texture.

Beyond the lettuce wraps, these koftas shine as a versatile addition to any mezze platter. Share them with friends and family, creating a vibrant and communal dining experience. While this recipe calls for ground lamb, feel free to explore with your favorite ground meat.

Ground beef, pork, turkey, or even a combination can be wonderful alternatives, just ensuring that the mixture isn't overly lean to maintain optimal juiciness and flavor. For the cheese component, a traditional Greek hard and salty cheese, crafted from sheep or goat's milk, is recommended. However, if you can't find it, similar hard cheeses like Pecorino, Manchego, or Parmesan serve as excellent substitutes, each adding its unique nuance to the overall taste.

The natural composition of this recipe makes it inherently gluten-free. Should you desire a dairy-free version, simply substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, or consider swapping it out altogether for more creamy avocado. For an alternative cooking method, consider oven-grilling the koftas instead of pan-frying.

This yields a slightly different texture and flavor profile, allowing you to customize the recipe to your preferences. When preparing the tzatziki, remember that the more water you can extract from the cucumber, the better the final consistency. Use your hands or a muslin cloth to achieve optimal results.

To elevate the presentation, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprig of fresh dill, and a plump olive can transform the dish into a visual masterpiece. Leftover tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, offering a refreshing accompaniment to vegetable crudités. Feel free to experiment with different herbs.

Fresh mint, in place of dill, introduces another layer of flavor complexity. The raw kofta mixture can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook, making this a convenient option for meal prepping. Adjust the size of the koftas to suit your preferences.

Smaller koftas are particularly well-suited for mezze sharing platters. Cooked koftas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy them cold in salads or reheat them in a pan or microwave for a quick and easy meal.