Hearty Lamb Koftas with Spaghetti, Squash and Pine nuts Hearty Lamb Koftas with Spaghetti, Squash and Pine nuts

Hearty Lamb Koftas with Spaghetti, Squash and Pine nuts

A filling supper for 4, lamb mince koftas served with spaghetti, squash, parmesan and toasted pinenuts.

prep time
25 mins

cook time
20 minutes

serves
4 people

Ingredients

  • 375g lean lamb mince
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint
  • 1 small red onion, peeled and grated
  • 50g mushrooms (wild, if in season), finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sherry or Madeira
  • 1 small butternut squash or pumpkin (about 175g/6oz total prepared weight), peeled, deseeded and cut into small dice
  • 375g spaghetti
  • 3 sun-dried tomatoes, in oil, drained (oil reserved) and roughly chopped
  • 40g pinenuts, toasted
  • 25g freshly grated Parmesan, optional
  • Small handful freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl mix together the mince,/2½ mint, seasoning, onion, mushrooms and sherry or Madeira. Shape into eight to ten oval shapes.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the butternut squash in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, or until soft. Remove from the pan (retain the water) with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. Add extra hot water to the pan, if required, bring to the boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to the packet instructions.
  4. Cook the koftas under a preheated moderate grill for 6-8 minutes, turning once.
  5. Drain the pasta, add the butternut squash and gently toss with sun-dried tomatoes, the reserved oil from the tomatoes and any meat juices from the grill pan.
  6. Arrange on a warm plate with the koftas, garnish with the pinenuts, Parmesan (if used) and parsley.