I tried this recipe as written once and the lamb mixture fell apart on one of four skewers. I have since purchased wider skewers, added a little egg to make it all stick, and form the meat around the skewer during the preparation. The taste is superb no matter how you do it (even as meat patties). Mixing ground veal and ground beef in equal portions is also great and a little less expensive.
Spiced Lamb Kebabs
Wide, flat metal skewers are ideal for grilling this style of ground-meat kebab. The spiced meat mixture can also be formed into patties if you don't have skewers.
Photo: Landon Nordeman
1 1⁄2 lbs. ground lamb
6 tbsp. grated onion
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 tbsp. dried ground aleppo pepper
or paprika
1 tbsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
2 tsp. dried mint leaves, crumbled
with your fingers
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1. Combine lamb and onion in a large bowl; set aside. Heat oil in a 10" skillet over medium-high heat. Add aleppo pepper, salt, cumin, oregano, mint, and pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Pour the spice mixture over the reserved lamb mixture and mix thoroughly with your hands.
2. Divide lamb mixture into 4 portions and roll each into a thin cylinder about 10" long and 1" thick. Slide a flat metal skewer (see page 100) into each cylinder and press the meat around the skewer. Transfer skewers to a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Meanwhile, build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill to medium-high (alternatively, heat broiler and position rack 7" from heating element). Grill or broil the kebabs, turning once, until browned and nicely charred on the outside and medium on the inside, about 4 minutes per side.
SERVES 4
Ratings & Reviews (3)
Very yummy. I served with the Eggplant-stuffed peppers also in Saveur. A great match.
This was really good except it was VERY salty, and we love salt....usually add more to most dishes. We also halved the ground aleppo and it was still very hot.....and we like spicey food!
Spiced Lamb Kebabs
4
5
2
3
