Recipe

Cağ Kebabı with Yogurt Sauce

Sizzling Skewers of Turkish Delight

4.6 out of 5

Cağ kebabı is a traditional Turkish dish that originated in the eastern region of Turkey. This recipe features succulent marinated lamb skewers cooked over an open fire, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Served with a creamy yogurt sauce, this dish is a true delight for meat lovers.

Meat Dish› Lamb/Mutton Dish› Cağ kebabı

Asian cuisine› Arab cuisine› Turkish cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10-12 minutes

Total time

2 hours 27 minutes (including marinating time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Mediterranean diet, High-protein diet, Low-carb diet, Gluten-free diet, Keto diet

Allergens

Dairy (yogurt)

Not suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo diet, Low-fat diet

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) lamb leg, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) lamb leg, cut into cubes
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
Carbohydrates: 4g (Sugars: 2g)
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1.
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a marinade.
2.
Add the lamb cubes to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4.
Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness.
6.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7.
Serve the cağ kebabı hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and accompanied by the yogurt sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Lamb leg — For the best results, choose lean and tender cuts of lamb leg. Trim off any excess fat before cutting it into cubes to ensure a healthier and more flavorful dish.

Tips & Tricks

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the lamb to prevent them from burning on the grill.
For a smokier flavor, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika to the marinade.
Serve the cağ kebabı with warm pita bread and a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the cağ kebabı hot off the grill, accompanied by a generous dollop of yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, allowing the charred edges of the lamb to be visible. Drizzle some of the yogurt sauce over the kebabs and serve the remaining sauce in a separate bowl for dipping.