Spicy Lamb Kofte

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup flat leaf parsley leaves
• 1 1/4 tsp aleppo pepper* or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 lbs ground lamb

In a food processor, pulse the onion and garlic until finely chopped. Add the parsley, aleppo pepper, allspice, salt, cinnamon and cumin. Pulse until combined. Add the lamb and pulse just until well mixed.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Divide the lamb mixture into 12 portions. Form each portion into a ball, then roll into a cigar shape. Place the sausages onto a baking sheet sprayed with non stick cooking spray.

Lamb Kofte can be grilled or broiled also. Skewer each sausage, then grill or broil 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until done.

Bake the kofte for 20 minutes, turn over, and cook another 10 minutes.

Serve your kofte with pita bread, hummus, chopped tomatoes and chopped onions. Rice pilaf is also a nice side dish with the kofte.

*Aleppo pepper is a mild, bright red pepper with a fruity, balanced flavor. Aleppo pepper can be found in Middle Eastern stores.