Cumin Chile Lamb Kebabs With Garlic Yogurt Recipes

CUMIN-CHILE LAMB KEBABS WITH GARLIC YOGURT

Steps:

• Make the garlic yogurt:
• Stir garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice into yogurt in a small bowl to combine; season with salt and pepper.
• Make the lamb kebabs:
• Coarsely grind cumin seeds, peppercorns, caraway seeds, red pepper flakes, and sugar in spice mill or with mortar and pestle until only a few whole spices remain.
• Prepare a grill for medium-high, indirect heat (for a charcoal grill, bank coals on one side of grill; for a gas grill, leave one or two burners off). Oil grates. Thread lamb onto 6-8 skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece of meat. Season with salt, then sprinkle generously with spice blend, pressing it onto the meat with your hands to help it adhere if needed.
• Grill lamb over direct heat, turning every minute or so, until browned and beginning to char in spots, about 4 minutes. Move to cooler side of grill and continue to grill until lamb is cooked to desired doneness, about 4 minutes longer for medium-rare.
• Top garlic yogurt with cracked black pepper and a little lemon zest. Serve alongside lamb.
• Do Ahead
• Yogurt can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. Spice blend can be made 1 month ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

MARINATED LAMB KEBABS WITH A CHILE-YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• To prepare the kebabs, skewer the lamb pieces alternating with the onions into 6 large metal skewers. Place the kebabs in a large baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, orange zest and juice, mint, and oil. Pour the marinade over the kebabs and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
• While the lamb is marinating, prepare the yogurt sauce. Whisk together the yogurt, garlic, cumin, and chile powder in a bowl. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
• To grill the kebabs, oil the grill and prepare a hot fire. If you are using a gas grill, preheat on high. If you are using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they are covered with gray ash. The fire is hot when you can hold your hand over the grill for no longer than 5 seconds. Remove the lamb from the marinade and drain very well. Place the skewers on the grill and grill, turning once or twice, for 6 to 8 minutes for medium doneness.
• Place the skewers on a serving platter, and garnish with mint sprigs. Serve warm, with the sauce on the side.