Lamb Brochettes Recipes

LAMB BROCHETTES

Steps:

• Cut roasting-quality lamb, such as leg or loin, into 1 1/2-inch chunks. You may wish to marinate them for several hours or overnight, as suggested below; otherwise, season and oil the meat. Thread onto skewers, alternating each piece with a square of blanched bacon (see page 60) and a piece of imported bay leaf. Arrange on an oiled broiling pan or in a hinged rack. Broil 2 inches from heat, turning every 2 minutes for several minutes, until the meat is just springy to the touch.
• Here is a basic formula that you may vary as you wish. For every 2 pounds of meat, mix the following in a bowl: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ground rosemary, thyme, oregano, or Provençal herbs (see page 44), 2 large cloves puréed garlic, and 1/4 cup vegetable oil.
• Use fresh-tasting, neutral-flavored oils for cooking, such as light olive, canola, or other vegetable oils. Olive oils for flavoring and salads can be mild or fruity, and since they have become a status symbol, you can pay enormous prices for some of those labeled "extra virgin." Test them out yourself to find the brand or brands that suit you.
• "EVOO" is contemporary cook talk for "extra virgin olive oil."

GRILLED MARINATED LAMB BROCHETTES

Steps:

• Cut the lamb into 16 1 1/2-inch cubes.
• Peel the onions, then steam or parboil them until nearly cooked but firm. Drain.
• Combine onions, vinegar, white wine, garlic, grated lemon, cumin, rosemary, thyme, honey, salt and pepper to taste. Blend well, then add the lamb and marinate for 30 minutes or longer.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven broiler or grill to high.
• Drain the meat, reserving the marinade. Thread onto 4 skewers, alternating between the lamb cubes and onions on each skewer.
• Brush the skewers with the oil and the reserved marinade.
• Broil under high heat 3 minutes on each side for rare, brushing often with the marinade. Cook longer if desired.
• Serve immediately. Garnish with the watercress.

GREEK LAMB BROCHETTES WITH CUCUMBER AND TOMATO TZATZIKI

Steps:

• Cut trimmed lamb into 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-inch cubes. Mix lamb and next 6 ingredients in glass baking dish. Cover mixture and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours, turning lamb occasionally.
• Preheat broiler or prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Divide lamb cubes among skewers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange skewers on broiler pan or grill. Drizzle with any remaining marinade. Broil or grill lamb to desired doneness, turning occasionally, about 9 minutes for medium-rare. Serve hot with tzatziki.