Azerbaijani-inspired Spiced Ground Meat Skewers

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb or beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb or beef
• 1 small onion, finely grated 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Skewers, soaked in water if using wooden skewers Skewers, soaked in water if using wooden skewers

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, sumac, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into a long, thin sausage-like shape.
3. 3.
   Thread the meat onto the skewers, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kebabs are cooked through and nicely charred.
5. 5.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve the Lyulya kebabs with flatbread, fresh herbs, and a side of yogurt sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Ensure the meat is well-chilled before mixing with the other ingredients. This helps in easier handling and shaping of the kebabs.
• Sumac — Sumac adds a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor to the kebabs. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a small amount of lemon zest.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the meat mixture.
• Serve the kebabs with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Lyulya kebabs hot off the grill, accompanied by warm flatbread, a variety of fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, and dill, and a cooling yogurt sauce. This allows for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sumac for an attractive presentation. Serve alongside warm flatbread and the yogurt sauce in a separate bowl for dipping.