Lamb kebabs are a classic dish that combines aromatic spices and tender ground lamb to create a flavorful and succulent meal. This recipe brings together ground lamb, seasoned with bold spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander, to form delicious kebabs that are perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Accompanied by three different sauces—creamy, tangy, and spicy—these kebabs offer a variety of flavors to elevate your dining experience. This dish is ideal for a casual family meal or a special occasion and is easy to customize with your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.
The kebabs are best served with fresh vegetables like onions, hot peppers, and tomatoes, which add color, texture, and an additional layer of flavor. Whether you’re a fan of rich and creamy sauces or fiery and tangy condiments, this kebab recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy all taste preferences.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Kebab Mix:
- Ground lamb meat: 1000 grams
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili peppers: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander: 1 teaspoon
- Grated garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Parsley: ½ cup, chopped
- Onions: 100 grams, finely chopped and strained of water
- Cooking oil: For pan-frying
For Sauce #1 (Creamy Sauce):
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons
- Yogurt: 1 tablespoon
- Ketchup: 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar: ½ tablespoon
- Black pepper: To taste
For Sauce #2 (Tahini-Yogurt Sauce):
- Yogurt: 3 tablespoons
- Tahini sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Cumin: ¼ teaspoon
- Water: 2 tablespoons
For Sauce #3 (Spicy Sauce):
- Tomato: ½
- Hot peppers: 2
- Hot pepper powder: 2 tablespoons
- Red chili pepper flakes: 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: To taste
Vegetables to Complement the Kebab:
- Onions
- Hot peppers
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Kebab Mix
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1000 grams of ground lamb meat with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of red chili peppers, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, 1 tablespoon of grated garlic, ½ cup of chopped parsley, and 100 grams of finely chopped onions (make sure to strain the onions of excess water). Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and place the kebab mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture makes it easier to shape the kebabs and allows the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauces
While the kebab mixture is chilling, prepare the sauces.
- For Sauce #1 (Creamy Sauce):
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, ½ tablespoon of vinegar, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
- For Sauce #2 (Tahini-Yogurt Sauce):
- In another small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of tahini sauce, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, ¼ teaspoon of cumin, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until serving.
- For Sauce #3 (Spicy Sauce):
- In a blender, combine ½ tomato, 2 hot peppers, 2 tablespoons of hot pepper powder, 1 tablespoon of red chili pepper flakes, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed and refrigerate until serving.
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Kebabs
- Shape the kebabs: Once the kebab mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking, and take a small portion of the mixture. Shape it into elongated kebabs (or round patties if you prefer).
- Cook the kebabs: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little cooking oil. Place the kebabs in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Make sure to cook the kebabs in batches if necessary, so they have enough space to cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
- Fry the vegetables: In the same pan that you cooked the kebabs, add the sliced onions, hot peppers, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Fry them for a few minutes until they are lightly charred and tender. This adds a wonderful flavor and color to your serving plate.
Step 5: Serve
- Assemble the dish: Place the cooked kebabs on a serving plate and arrange the fried vegetables around them. Serve with the three prepared sauces on the side, allowing guests to choose their preferred dipping sauce.
- Garnish: Garnish the plate with fresh parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Cooking Tips
- Strain the onions: It’s important to strain the chopped onions before adding them to the kebab mixture. Excess water from the onions can make the kebab mixture too loose, making it difficult to shape the kebabs.
- Use wet hands: When shaping the kebabs, wetting your hands with a little water helps prevent the meat from sticking to your fingers.
- Grilling option: If you prefer, you can grill the kebabs on an outdoor grill for a smokier flavor. Just be sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Adjust spice level: The amount of chili powder, hot peppers, and chili flakes in the recipe can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. Add more or less according to your taste.
- Serve with bread: These kebabs go wonderfully with pita bread or flatbread for a more filling meal.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make the kebab mixture ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the kebab mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more.
- Can I freeze the kebabs?
- Yes, you can freeze the shaped kebabs before cooking them. Place them on a tray and freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and cook as instructed.
- What can I serve alongside the kebabs?
- In addition to the sauces and vegetables, these kebabs are great served with rice, flatbread, or couscous. You can also add a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for extra crunch and freshness.
- Can I use beef instead of lamb?
- Absolutely! Ground beef or even ground chicken or turkey can be used in place of lamb if you prefer a different protein.
- What other vegetables can I serve with the kebabs?
- You can use any vegetables you like. Mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant are excellent choices for grilling or pan-frying alongside the kebabs.
Conclusion
Lamb kebabs are a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The mixture of bold spices and juicy lamb creates a mouthwatering kebab that’s enhanced by the three delicious sauces. Whether you prefer creamy, tangy, or spicy flavors, there’s a sauce for everyone. Serve the kebabs with freshly fried vegetables for added color and texture, and enjoy this dish as a main course for any occasion. It’s simple, versatile, and full of bold flavors that are sure to please!