Lamb Skewers With Chip Pea Salad Pitas And Tzatziki Food

GREEK LAMB SOUVLAKI SKEWERS

Steps:

• Marinate the lamb. Add cubed lamb into a zip-loc bag, and add 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt and pepper. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinade around the lamb to coat. Place in the fridge to marinate at least 30 minutes or overnight, to infuse all the seasoning and spices into the meat.
• . Thread the lamb onto skewers, and lightly brush some olive oil.
• . Preheat a grill pan over medium high heat for 4-5 minutes and lightly brush the grill with remaining olive oil. You should notice the oil shimmer and sizzle when it's hot and ready. Grill the lamb skewers for 8-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature for the lamb reaches 155 F. For well done, cook 1-2 more minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches above 160 F.

LAMB SKEWER PITAS

Steps:

• Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt, sour cream, cucumber, onion, dill, vinegar, cumin, honey, salt, cinnamon, pepper and garlic until combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
• Make the lamb skewers: In a large bowl, combine the lamb, oil, coriander, cumin, salt, allspice, cinnamon and garlic until evenly coated. Divide the meat into 6 portions and form into logs. Thread each log onto a skewer, then transfer to a plate, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
• Heat a cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Brush the griddle with oil. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.
• To serve: Brush the pitas with oil and sprinkle with the zaatar. Add them to the griddle with the lamb and cook until toasted and warm, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
• In a large bowl, toss the cucumber, cilantro, parsley, oregano, onions, tomato and fennel. Add the vinegar and 3 tablespoons oil and toss to combine. Season to taste. Remove the meat from the skewers and place on the pitas; top with some salad. Serve with the lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce.

SPIT-ROASTED LEG OF LAMB WITH TZATZIKI

Steps:

• Prepare a very hot fire (500°F) in a fireplace or a medium-hot fire (425°F) in a wood-fired oven.
• Lay the lamb flat on the work surface with the exterior of the leg on the work surface. With the point of a knife, make several incisions in the lamb and insert a slice of garlic into each incision. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl, stir together the parsley, chives, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, minced garlic, and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil.
• Spread the herb mixture evenly over the exposed side of the lamb. Roll and wrap the lamb around the spit and secure with kitchen twine or small metal turkey skewers. Brush the outside of the lamb with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the spit 6 to 8 inches from the fire and spit-roast the lamb, using an electric or battery-powered unit to rotate the spit consistently, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lamb registers 135°F for medium-rare, about 1 hour. Alternatively, put the lamb in a roasting pan and roast in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lamb registers 135°F. Let the meat stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with Tzatziki.
• Combine the yogurt and salt in a bowl and stir to blend. Turn into a cheesecloth-lined sieve placed over a bowl and let drain for several hours to remove excess moisture in the yogurt.
• Meanwhile, shred the cucumber to make 1 cup. Spread the shredded cucumber on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let drain for 30 minutes. Using paper towels, squeeze out the excess moisture.
• Combine the yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, mint, dill, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix well. Add the lemon juice to taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Use now, or within 1 day.

LAMB OR BEEF KEBAB PITAS WITH TZATZIKI

Steps:

• In a bowl, knead together all the kebab ingredients. Form into sausages of about 4-5 inches in length. Cover and leave in the fridge for about an hour.
• Prepare the Tzatziki: In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. Taste, and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400°F (this is also great on the bbq).
• Grill the kebabs until brown and crusty on all sides, and cooked through, about 12-14 minutes.
• Get some grilled pita breads.
• Place 1 or 2 kebabs inside each pita and add some slices of tomato, onion, some tzatziki, and a generous sprinkling of parlsey.
• Roll up as tightly as you can without mushing up your sandwich, and wrap a piece of aluminum foil around bottom to catch any drips.
• Enjoy one of the best sandwiches you've ever had.