Grilled Lamb Skewers and Yogurt Sauce

I don't think it's any secret that lamb is my favorite protein. I've loved it since I was a child, which is probably odd for a little kid and this must prove that I was destined to be in the culinary arts field. This lamb skewer recipe has a wonderful marinade that is scented with middle eastern spices from the warmth of cumin and cinnamon and much more. A great recipe for your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan, this will make a lamb lover out of anyone at your table. To compliment this dish I have created a simple Yogurt Sauce that echos the flavors of the marinade and adds a thick and creamy zing. My photographs show my serving suggestion of a dinner salad for the lamb and I used a combination of spinach, watercress, thinly sliced red onion, diced tomato and toasted almonds. A delicious bed for the lamb and a great vehicle for the Yogurt Sauce. I hope you enjoy.

Grilled Lamb Skewers

Ingredients:

1 lb. lamb cubes, trimmed of visible fat

2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. coriander

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. fennel seed

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste)

1/2 cup onion, diced

1 cup low sodium chicken stock

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. lemon zest, grated

1 tsp. ginger root, grated

1/4 cup cilantro

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

Blend all ingredients into a zip top bag and place in a rimmed dish. Marinate in the refrigerator from 2 hours to overnight for maximum flavor.

Soak several small skewers in water for about 30 minutes prior to cooking. Remove lamb from marinade, discard marinade and pat lamb cubes dry with clean paper towels. Thread the lamb cubes on the skewers. Preheat a cast iron grill pan on high until extremely hot. Grill the lamb skewers, a few at a time, for 2 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness and desired doneness. Serve on salad bed if desired with Yogurt Sauce.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 200.8
Total Fat 9.8 g
Saturated Fat 2.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9 g
Monounsaturated Fat 5.1 g
Cholesterol 73.7 mg
Sodium 228.6 mg
Potassium 478.2 mg
Total Carbohydrate 3.6 g
Dietary Fiber 1.4 g
Sugars 0.1 g
Protein 24.1 g

Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:

14 ounces Greek Style 2% Plain Yogurt

1 tsp. ginger root, grated

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/4 tsp. coriander

1 Tbsp. lemon zest, grated

1 lemon, juiced

2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped

Blend all ingredients well and refrigerate for about 2 hours to marry flavors together.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 71.5
Total Fat 2.1 g
Saturated Fat 1.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Cholesterol 5.0 mg
Sodium 33.4 mg
Potassium 30.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 5.8 g
Dietary Fiber 0.3 g
Sugars 4.4 g
Protein 8.7 g