Vibrant Lamb Kofta Chickpea Salad: A Festive Mardi Gras Delight
Turn up the colour, crank the playlist, and bring the BBQ vibes to life with this Lamb Kofta Chickpea and Herb Salad, a dish perfectly crafted for a Mardi Gras spread. Packed with char-grilled Coles Lamb Koftas, punchy pickled chillies, and a riot of fresh herbs, it is the kind of vibrant, build-your-own platter that deserves a central spot on any celebratory table.
Ingredients and Preparation for a Flavourful Feast
This salad combines creamy tahini yoghurt as a base, infused with zesty lemon and aromatic cumin, while chickpeas, cucumber, and tomato add layers of freshness and satisfying crunch. Warm pitas served on the side ensure everyone can scoop, stack, and celebrate in their own unique way. The dish is bold, bright, and made for sharing, embodying the spirit of Mardi Gras with every bite.
Key Ingredients:
- 2 packs Coles Lamb Koftas
- 1 tin chickpeas, drained
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 4 pickled chillies (mild)
- Fresh herbs: 1/2 bunch each of parsley, mint, and coriander, leaves picked
- 1 lemon
- Olive oil and sea salt for dressing
Tahini Yoghurt Sauce:
- 1 cup yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Additional Components:
- Pickled red onion
- Pickled mild chillies
- 8 pita breads, warmed
Step-by-Step Method for a Perfect Platter
Equipment Needed: 1 large sharing platter, 1 large glass mixing bowl, 2 medium glass mixing bowls, 2 small glass mixing bowls, 2 spoons, 1 large chef’s spoon, 1 tongs, 1 chopping board, 2 tea towels, and 1 roll of paper towel.
- Cook the lamb koftas on a hot BBQ or griddle pan until they are charred all over and fully cooked through.
- In a bowl, combine the salad ingredients—chickpeas, shallot, cucumber, tomatoes, pickled chillies, and fresh herbs. Dress with olive oil, sea salt, and lemon juice, tossing gently to mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the tahini yoghurt ingredients until evenly blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- To serve, spread the tahini yoghurt across the base of a large platter. Top with the prepared salad to cover the sauce completely. Finish by arranging the koftas, pickled onion, pickled chillies, and picked herbs on top.
- Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and serve with warmed pitas on the side for scooping and stacking.
This Lamb Kofta Chickpea and Herb Salad is not just a meal; it is a celebration of flavours and colours, designed to bring people together during festive occasions like Mardi Gras. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and share the joy with friends and family.
