Georgian-Style Kuzu Şiş with Walnut Sauce

Ingredients

In this Georgian adaptation of Kuzu Şiş, we incorporate the traditional flavors and ingredients of Georgian cuisine. The original Turkish dish is typically served with a yogurt-based sauce, while we substitute it with a creamy walnut sauce, which is a popular element in Georgian cuisine. This change adds a unique nutty flavor and a velvety texture to the dish, enhancing its overall richness. We alse have the original recipe for Kuzu şiş, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb leg, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes 500g (1.1 lb) lamb leg, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 cloves garlic 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 6g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. 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. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated lamb cubes 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.
   Meanwhile, prepare the walnut sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, garlic cloves, white vinegar, honey, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Transfer the walnut sauce to a serving bowl.
8. 8.
   Once the lamb skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Serve the Georgian-Style Kuzu Şiş hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside the creamy walnut sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them, as it can give a bitter taste to the walnut sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the lamb onto them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the walnut sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Georgian-Style Kuzu Şiş with warm flatbread or pita bread to soak up the delicious walnut sauce. Accompany it with a fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled lamb skewers on a platter, drizzle the walnut sauce over them, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve the dish with the walnut sauce in a separate bowl for dipping or pouring over the lamb.