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Mediterranean Yogurt-Mint Lamb Sauce

Mediterranean Yogurt-Mint Lamb Sauce combines cooling Greek yogurt with vibrant mint, garlic, and warm spices to elevate grilled or roasted lamb. Rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, this sauce balances the rich, gamey flavor of lamb with creamy tang and herbal brightness. Fresh mint infuses each spoonful with aromatic freshness while garlic adds depth. Lemon juice lends a gentle acidity, and a hint of cumin and cayenne pepper contributes subtle warmth and complexity. Perfect as a finishing drizzle for lamb kebabs, chops, or leg roast, it also shines alongside falafel, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls. Quick to prepare and versatile, the sauce benefits from a 30-minute rest to allow flavors to meld, making it an ideal make-ahead condiment for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Side | Mediterranean | Middle Eastern | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Halal | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Vegetarian | Sauce | Mixing Bowl | Whisk | Cumin | Garlic | Greek Yogurt | Mint | Mixing | No-Cook | Whisking | Festive | Weeknight | Make-Ahead | Under 1 Hour
Time to complete

Prep

10min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

30min

Total

40min

Ingredients (About 1¼ cups (300 mL), serves 6 (2 tablespoons/30 mL each))

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup (30 g) finely chopped mint leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp/8 g)
  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp (2 g) ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper

For Serving/Garnishing

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 80
  • Fat: 5
  • Protein: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 4
  • Fiber: 0.5
Directions

Combine Ingredients

  • 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mint, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and cayenne pepper until smooth.

Season & Rest

  • 2. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serve or Store

  • 3. Serve chilled alongside lamb or other dishes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cookix's Secrets

Citrus Zest

  • Add 1 tsp lemon or lime zest off the heat for extra brightness.

Dairy-Free

  • Use coconut yogurt or cashew cream to make a vegan-friendly sauce.

Flavor Development

  • Let the sauce rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the garlic and mint to infuse the yogurt fully.

Garlic Balance

  • Adjust garlic to preference—use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Herb Mix

  • Replace half the mint with chopped cilantro or parsley for a green herb twist.

Mint Prep

  • Remove stems and look for tender young leaves to avoid bitterness from older mint.

Spicy Kick

  • Stir in 1 tsp harissa or Sriracha for a bold, spicy version.

Tahini Enrichment

  • Whisk in 1 tbsp tahini for nutty depth and creaminess.

Texture Adjustment

  • Thin with a splash of water or extra lemon juice if the sauce is too thick.