Indian Spiced Lamb Skewers
When the days turn cold these Indian-spiced lamb skewers will bring a taste of warmer climates to any meal.
PREP TIME: 35 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes
SERVINGS: 4
INGREDIENTS
LAMB
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
1 small dried red chili
1 ¾ pound top round of lamb, cut into 16 11/2 inch cubes
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
CUCUMBER SALAD
12 ounces fat free Greek yogurt (2-6 ounce containers)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded and julienned
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
8 leaves Boston lettuce
Carrot ribbons, for garnish
PREPARATION
Combine cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds in a small dry pan. Toast over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a mortar. Add peppercorns and red chili. Grind with pestle until a coarse powder.
In a medium bowl, toss lamb with ground spices, ginger, salt, oil, and lemon juice. Marinate in refrigerator for up to 4 hours (or as little as 30 minutes)
Whisk together yogurt, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir in cilantro and toss with cucumbers.
Skewer 4 cubes of lamb onto each of 4 skewers. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
Place 2 lettuce leaves on each of four plates and top with some of the cucumber salad. Place one skewer on each plate and garnish with carrot ribbons.