Georgian Lamb Marinade Recipes

GEORGIAN SHASHLYK (CAUCASIAN-STYLE SKEWERED LAMB)

Steps:

• Marinade: In a large bowl, beat together the grated onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Add the meat and toss it in the marinade to coat it thoroughly, then allow to marinate at room temperature for at least 3 hours, tossing every hour or so to keep the meat moist.
• Light a layer of coals in a charcoal broiler and burn until a white ash appears on the surface, or preheat your kitchen broiler to its highest point.
• Remove the meat from the marinade and string them on 4 long skewers, pressing them firmly together, alternate the lamb with the chunks of onion.
• Broil 4" from the source of the heat, turning the skewers occasionally, until the meat is done to your taste and the onions are brown.
• For rare allow about 10 minutes; well-done (which is more typical of Georgian cooking) will take about 15.
• Slide the meat off onto individual plates and garnish with scallions and lemon.

GEORGIAN LAMB MARINADE

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients. Pour into a large baggie and add lamb. Seal baggie, removing as much air as possible. Put in another baggie and seal. Refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally. Roast as normal starting in a hot oven, about 400 degrees and turning down after 10 minutes to 325 or so. Cook till done, using a meat thermometer. The time will depend on how large the lamb is, whether it has a bone, etc.

ALEXANDER DUMAS'S GEORGIAN-STYLE LAMB KEBABS

Steps:

• Combine coriander, dill, basil, mint, marigold, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
• Add lamb and toss thoroughly to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Add onion and vinegar.
• Toss thoroughly to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes more, or up to 8 hours.
• Preheat grill.
• Thread lamb onto skewers. Dumas says that if you don't have skewers you can use the cleaning-rod of your rifle.
• Oil grill grate.
• Arrange skewers on grill.
• Cook, turning with tongs, until browned and cooked to taste, 8-12 minutes for well done, brushing with oil several times.
• Sprinkle with sumac if desired.