Spiced Lamb Skewers With Pomegranate Tzatziki Recipes

SPICED LAMB SKEWERS WITH LEMONY ONIONS

Steps:

• Season lamb with salt and pepper. Add cumin and turmeric and toss to coat. (This can be done up to 24 hours ahead, if you like.)
• If you're using a charcoal grill, build the fire so it's screaming hot. This lamb is to be cooked hot and fast so it can stay nicely medium-rare, so the hotter the better. If you're using a gas grill, set it on high. Bring a clean platter, cutting board or baking dish out to the grill for the skewers to rest in after cooking.
• Combine onion, sumac (if using) and 3 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Set aside.
• Combine yogurt and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Skewer the lamb onto wooden or metal skewers, 2 to 4 pieces per skewer.
• Once the grill is hot, cook the skewers on all sides until deeply browned and lightly charred all over, 2 to 3 minutes per side (less time for smaller pieces), moving the skewers around as needed to prevent excessive flare-ups. (If you've trimmed most of the fat away from the lamb, the flare-ups shouldn't be too bad.)
• Transfer the skewers to the platter, cutting board or baking dish to rest for a few minutes and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with the dressed onions, lemony yogurt, cilantro, olives, lavash and any pickled vegetables or peppers you like.

SPICED SKEWERED LAMB

Steps:

• Soak 8 to 10 wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes. Combine the chile flakes, cumin, fennel seeds, oil, soy sauce, rice wine, paprika, and salt in a bowl. Add the meat to the spices, and toss to coat. Thread the meat onto the skewers.
• Heat a griddle pan over a high heat, and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the skewers into the pan, and cook until they brown on one side, then turn them over, and continue cooking for l minute. Turn off the heat, and serve.

SPICED LAMB BURGER WITH TZATZIKI

Steps:

• Combine lamb, onion, egg, breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon of sumac in a bowl; shape into 4 patties.
• Cook patties in an oiled fry pan or grill or BBQ until browned on both sides and cooked through.
• Toast bread in toaster or under grill.
• Combine remaining sumac and tzatziki in a small bowl.
• Combine watercress with lemon juice in another bowl.
• Spread tzatziki over bottom layer of bread, arrange 4 beetroot slices, place lamb burger on beetroot and top burger with cress.

SPICED LAMB SKEWERS

Steps:

• Mix all the marinade ingredients together until well blended.
• Toss in the lamb, marinade for as long as possible then thread onto 12 skewers.
• Cover well and chill until ready to cook.
• Grill for 7-10 mins turning frequently until cooked but a little pink in the centre.

SPICED GROUND MEAT SKEWERS

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, sumac, salt, Urfa pepper, black pepper, and cinnamon, if using.
• With your hands, thoroughly knead and massage the meat to incorporate the ingredients, about 4 minutes. Breaking down the meat will create a sticky, cohesive mixture that results in a pleasing springy texture. You can also combine everything in an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, in which case it will take only about 2 minutes. Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
• Wet your hands with cold water, then divide meat into 6 equal portions and mold each around a metal or soaked bamboo skewer (see Tip). Transfer skewers to a large plate or baking sheet. You can grill them right away at this point, or cover and refrigerate them while preparing the grill (up to 4 hours).
• Heat the grill to high. When the grill is hot, lightly brush the grates with oil, and add the skewers. Cook, rotating them carefully every few minutes, until evenly browned and slightly charred in places, about 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with more herbs, sumac and flaky sea salt, and serve.