Ingredients
Marinade
- 50 g yoghurt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp tomato puree (or Biber Salcasi)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 lemon (juice)
Main
- 400 g lamb (room temperature, fat removed, cut into 2cm/1-inch chunks)
- 1 red pepper (optional, cut into 2cm/1-inch pieces)
- 1 green pepper (optional, cut into 2cm/1-inch pieces)
Yoghurt Sauce
- 120 g Greek or plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon (juice)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Accompaniments
- Lettuce
- Pickled chillies
- Sriracha
- Cucumber
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine yoghurt, paprika, ground cumin, salt, ground coriander, tomato puree, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Lamb: Add the lamb chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, ideally overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare for Cooking: Remove the marinated lamb from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Thread the lamb pieces along with the red and green peppers (if using) alternately onto metal or wooden skewers.
- Cook the Kebabs: Choose your preferred cooking method:
– Indoor Grill Oven: Preheat grill and cook the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through.
– BBQ Grill: Prepare a charcoal barbecue and preheat for 30 minutes. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway.
– Oven Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with foil or lightly grease. Place skewers on tray and bake for 10-15 minutes without turning.
– Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Spray basket with olive oil. Place skewers inside and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. - Make the Yogurt Sauce: While the kebabs cook, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Serve: Remove kebabs from heat and serve immediately with flatbread, the prepared yogurt sauce, lettuce, pickled chillies, cucumber slices, and sriracha for added spice.
Notes
- Use full-fat yogurt for a richer marinade and sauce.
- Tomato puree or Biber Salcasi adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor to the marinade.
- Garlic powder can be substituted with fresh minced garlic if preferred.
- Removing fat from lamb helps reduce flare-ups during grilling and results in a leaner dish.
- Skewers can be metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning during cooking.
- Allowing lamb to come to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking throughout.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the lamb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes depending on cooking method
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish