Armenian Spiced Lamb Skewers with Herb Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb leg, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) lamb leg, cut into cubes
• 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 ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• For the herb yogurt sauce: For the herb yogurt sauce:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 4g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. 2.
   Add the lamb cubes to the marinade and toss until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness.
6. 6.
   While the skewers are grilling, prepare the herb yogurt sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, chopped mint, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
7. 7.
   Serve the grilled lamb skewers hot with the herb yogurt sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb leg — Choose lean cuts of lamb leg for a healthier option. Trim any excess fat before cutting into cubes to reduce the overall fat content.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking the wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning during cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the grilled lamb skewers before serving.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• If using metal skewers, be cautious as they can get very hot during grilling. Use oven mitts or tongs to handle them.
• Serve the skewers with a side of warm pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover grilled lamb skewers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day in wraps or salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Armenian spiced lamb skewers with herb yogurt sauce as a main course, accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables or rice pilaf. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled lamb skewers on a platter, drizzle the herb yogurt sauce over them, and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the skewers.