Greek Lamb Kebabs

SugaredAlmond's Note:

This is so simple to make, but tastes fantastic. You do need to plan to make this in advance though, because of the long marinading time, but it's definitely worth it. I like to serve these with homemade Tzatziki, pitta and salad.

• Total Time: 48 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 48 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 6.0 skewers

• 1 1/2-2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder
• 2 lemons
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 red chile, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium red onions, peeled
• black pepper

Directions:

1. Cut the Lamb into 1 1/2 inch dice, removing any excess fat.
2. Cut each of the onions vertically into 6 wedges.
3. Grate the zest of one of the lemons into a large non-metallic bowl or dish.
4. Juice both lemons, and pour the juice into the dish with the zest.
5. Squash or crush the garlic cloves, adding to dish along with sliced chilli and a good pinch of black pepper.
6. Bruise the rosemary, by lightly crushing and bending it in your hands. This releases the flavour of the rosemary. Add to dish along with the olive oil.
7. Add the lamb and onions to the dish and toss everything around with your hands to give everything a good coating.
8. Leave for at least 24 hours, but 48 hours is even better.
9. Soak 6 wooden skewers in cold water for at least an hour, before threading the lamb and onions onto them.
10. Barbecue for 15-20 minutes until cooked, brushing occasionally with reserved marinade.
11. Serve with pitta and tzatziki.

Reviews

[MathMom.calif]

Nice, fairly easy recipe. I marinated for over 40 hours. I only had 1.2 pounds of lamb for our family of 4, but made the full recipe for the marinade, but it was barely enough and I didn't have any "reserve" for basting during grilling. Next time I will double the marinade. I couldn't get a red chili, so I substituted a jalapeno. Served with Chilean Salad, Tzatziki and fresh pitas from the farmers market. A delightful summery meal, and will make again. Oh, I used lamb leg steaks, because the shoulder meat really didn't look like very good quality, and I cut the pieces down to 1 inch dice and only grilled for about 13 minutes. There was a bit of a kick from the peppers in the marinade, that is a bit unexpected for me in Greek food, but nice all the same. Thanks for a very nice recipe!