Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

Middle EasternAuthentic Cuisine

Middle Eastern Grilled Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer meat, Appetizers

Middle Eastern Grilled Skewers

Middle Eastern Grilled Skewers have long been a staple at home tables across the region, showcasing the simplicity and vibrancy of its culinary traditions. This home version, often reserved for weekend family meals, captures the essence of Middle Eastern cooking where salt is judged by hand, and the generosity of fat ensures tenderness and flavor in every bite.

Each skewer offers a symphony of flavors, with succulent lamb cubes marinated in onion, olive oil, and a hint of cumin. The result is a tender, juicy morsel that bursts with warmth and spice, inviting diners to share and savor the communal experience of a Middle Eastern meal.

Ingredients

  • 600 glamb cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the lamb cubes and onion. Cut the onion into quarters, then separate the layers to create pieces that will fit well on the skewers. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Toss the mixture thoroughly to ensure each piece of lamb is well-coated with the oil and spices. This step is crucial for infusing the meat with flavor and keeping it moist during grilling.
  3. Season the lamb mixture with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix the seasoning evenly, ensuring every piece of lamb and onion is seasoned. The salt will enhance the natural flavors of the lamb, while the pepper adds a subtle heat.
  4. Thread the lamb cubes and onion pieces onto skewers, alternating between meat and onion. This arrangement helps the onion impart its flavor to the lamb during grilling, creating a harmonious taste profile.
  5. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill, ensuring they are evenly spaced to allow for proper heat circulation. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the lamb is browned on the outside and cooked to your desired level of doneness. The meat should be juicy and slightly firm to the touch, with a rich, aromatic scent.
  6. Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, enhancing its tenderness and flavor.
  7. Finish the dish by giving the skewers a final sprinkle of sea salt, adjusting to taste. Serve the skewers immediately, encouraging a communal dining experience that is central to Middle Eastern home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Middle Eastern volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Middle Eastern cuisine