Ábrystir - Newari Style Spiced Lamb Skewers

Ingredients

In the Newari adaptation of Ábrystir, we have incorporated the bold and aromatic spices commonly used in Newari cuisine. The original Icelandic dish typically uses simpler seasonings, such as salt and pepper, whereas the Newari version embraces the use of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder to create a more complex and flavorful profile. Additionally, the traditional accompaniments of mint chutney and steamed rice add a refreshing and authentic touch to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Ábrystir, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons yogurt 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the lamb pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Allow the lamb to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated lamb pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve hot with mint chutney and steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — Choose tender cuts of lamb, such as leg or shoulder, for the best results. Trim any excess fat before marinating.
• Yogurt — Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for the marinade. Greek yogurt works well too, as it adds a creamy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the lamb to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder used.
• Serve the skewers with a side of naan bread or roti for a delicious variation.
• Experiment with different cuts of meat, such as beef or chicken, to suit your preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the Ábrystir skewers hot, straight off the grill, accompanied by a generous dollop of mint chutney and a side of steamed rice. The vibrant flavors of the spiced lamb pair perfectly with the refreshing mint chutney, creating a delightful combination of tastes.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for an appealing touch. Serve the mint chutney in a small bowl alongside the skewers. For an elegant presentation, consider serving the skewers on individual plates with a bed of steamed rice.