Zarb - Middle Eastern Grilled Meat and Vegetable Platter

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) lamb shoulder, bone-in, cut into chunks 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) lamb shoulder, bone-in, cut into chunks
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large bell peppers, cut into chunks 2 large bell peppers, cut into chunks
• 2 large onions, cut into wedges 2 large onions, cut into wedges
• 4 tomatoes, halved 4 tomatoes, halved
• Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the lamb shoulder chunks to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated lamb, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes onto the soaked skewers, alternating between meat and vegetables.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness and the vegetables are charred and tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Zarb platter with warm flatbread, hummus, and a side of fresh salad for a complete Middle Eastern dining experience.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb shoulder — For the most tender and flavorful results, choose bone-in lamb shoulder and cut it into chunks. The bone adds extra flavor during the grilling process.
• Ground spices — To enhance the aroma and flavor, consider toasting the ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the marinade. This step helps release their essential oils.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the skewers in water before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
• For a smokier flavor, you can use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain its juices and ensure tenderness.
• Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms to add variety to your Zarb platter.

Serving advice

Serve the Zarb platter on a large platter or individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or mint. Accompany it with warm flatbread, hummus, and a side of fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on the platter in an alternating pattern of meat and vegetables, creating an appealing visual display. Drizzle some olive oil over the grilled vegetables for a glossy finish. Sprinkle a pinch of sumac or paprika on top for an extra pop of color.