Lamb And Olive Skewers With Cucumber Salad Food

GREEK LAMB BROCHETTES WITH CUCUMBER AND TOMATO TZATZIKI

Steps:

• Cut trimmed lamb into 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-inch cubes. Mix lamb and next 6 ingredients in glass baking dish. Cover mixture and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours, turning lamb occasionally.
• Preheat broiler or prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Divide lamb cubes among skewers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange skewers on broiler pan or grill. Drizzle with any remaining marinade. Broil or grill lamb to desired doneness, turning occasionally, about 9 minutes for medium-rare. Serve hot with tzatziki.

SPICED LAMB SKEWERS WITH LEMONY ONIONS

Steps:

• Season lamb with salt and pepper. Add cumin and turmeric and toss to coat. (This can be done up to 24 hours ahead, if you like.)
• If you're using a charcoal grill, build the fire so it's screaming hot. This lamb is to be cooked hot and fast so it can stay nicely medium-rare, so the hotter the better. If you're using a gas grill, set it on high. Bring a clean platter, cutting board or baking dish out to the grill for the skewers to rest in after cooking.
• Combine onion, sumac (if using) and 3 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Set aside.
• Combine yogurt and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Skewer the lamb onto wooden or metal skewers, 2 to 4 pieces per skewer.
• Once the grill is hot, cook the skewers on all sides until deeply browned and lightly charred all over, 2 to 3 minutes per side (less time for smaller pieces), moving the skewers around as needed to prevent excessive flare-ups. (If you've trimmed most of the fat away from the lamb, the flare-ups shouldn't be too bad.)
• Transfer the skewers to the platter, cutting board or baking dish to rest for a few minutes and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with the dressed onions, lemony yogurt, cilantro, olives, lavash and any pickled vegetables or peppers you like.