One of the things I used to eat a lot in the Middle East was shish kebab. Well, they did not come with vegetables nor bamboo skewers, but the flavor was the same delicious. So for this recipe, I am going to show you how to make kebab, yogurt sauce, and a colorful salad. I find whole mini peppers look prettier so that was what I used. I had some green bell pepper left so I used that too. You can use any vegetables you like, even zucchini or mushroom.
Garlic Mint Yogurt Sauce
1 cup cold plain yogurt
1-2 cloves Garlic, depends on how garlicky you like, minced
A few Mint Leaves, chopped
Some Dill, chopped
1 Tsp Lemon Juice
Salt
It's a very simple sauce. Just mix everything together in a small bowl and serve immediately.
Mediterranean Salad
½ large Tomato, ½ cubes
¼ English Cucumber, ½ cubes
¼ large Red Onion, ½ cubes
1 cup Parsley, chopped
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper
It's a very simple sauce. Just mix everything together in a small bowl and serve immediately.
Lamb Shish Kebab
½ lb Lamb Shoulder, cut to 1 ½ to 2 inch cubes
Some mini Peppers, whole
½ Green Bell Pepper, 1 ½ to 2 inch cubes
½ Red Onion, cube stacks
A few Bamboo Skewers, soak in water for a few minutes
Salt and Pepper
*1 Tsp Paprika
*1 Tsp Red Chili Flakes
*½ Tsp Cinnamon Powder
*1 Tsp Cumin Powder
*1 Tsp Garlic Paste
*2 Tsp Plain Greek Yogurt
*½ Lemon Zest and Juice
*1 Tsp Tomato Paste
In a large bowl, mix spices(*) together, add salt and pepper to taste. Yes, taste the paste before adding meat so there is still chance to make adjustment. Maybe you need a little more heat or a little more salt, adjustment can still be made. Whisk well the paste, add lamb cubes in. Use hands to mix mixtures together. Make sure meat is nicely coated. Marinade for 4 hours to overnight.
Coat green bell pepper cubes and mini peppers with a little oil and salt. Set aside.
Take a skewer and layer lamb, peppers, and onion in any order you prefer.
Grill these on grill or in 425°F oven or in a skillet over stove till meat is done. Drizzle yogurt sauce on top. Serve with rice or pita bread.
When is the meat done? When the interior of the meat reaches no higher than 145°F.
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