Cumin-Spiced Grilled Lamb Skewers

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €9.07 · €2.27/serving

• 1 teaspoon of exotic ras el hanout spice blend (for a Moroccan touch)Est. price €0.08–€0.25
• 1 teaspoon of high-quality kosher saltEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 2 tablespoons of flaky kosher salt for seasoningEst. price €0.08–€0.20
• 1 large yellow onion, roughly grated (squeeze out excess moisture after grating for better texture)Est. price €0.40–€0.90
• 1 tablespoon of whole cumin seeds (lightly toast in a dry pan for enhanced flavor)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1 pound of premium ground lamb, ideally sourced from the tender shoulder cutEst. price €8.00–€15.00
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped flat-leaf parsleyEst. price €0.15–€0.40
• 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped mint leavesEst. price €0.05–€0.15
• 4 lemon wedges for a refreshing citrus finishEst. price €0.20–€0.50

Steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, combine the lamb, onion, parsley, mint, ras el hanout, and salt. Blend the ingredients together using your hands. Take a small portion of the mixture and fry it in a nonstick skillet to test the seasoning. Make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning as needed.

2. 2

   1. Portion the meat mixture into 8 equal parts, each weighing approximately 2 ounces. Use lightly oiled hands to shape each portion around a 12-inch bamboo or metal skewer, creating a tidy sausage shape that is about 6 inches long. Apply gentle pressure to ensure the meat adheres to the skewer properly. These kebabs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator after covering them securely.

3. 3

   To prepare the cumin salt, begin by toasting the cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Continuously shake the skillet until the seeds become fragrant and start to smoke. Next, finely grind the toasted seeds in a mortar before mixing them with the salt thoroughly.

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• Cultural note

  Cumin-spiced grilled lamb skewers are inspired by Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, where lamb is a common protein choice. The use of exotic ras el hanout spice blend adds a flavorful twist to the dish, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of the region.

• Seasonal note

  These lamb skewers are perfect for grilling during the spring and summer months when fresh herbs like parsley and mint are in season. Lemons are also typically abundant during this time, making it an ideal dish for outdoor cookouts.

• Health note

  These grilled lamb skewers are a good source of protein and healthy fats, but they are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, so they should be enjoyed in moderation. The dish is also rich in zinc, which is important for immune function and metabolism.