Grilled Lamb Kebabs With Mint Yogurt Sauce

Tender and juicy Grilled Lamb Kebabs With Mint Yogurt Sauce makes for a delicious casual summer meal. The lamb kebabs are marinated with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon and olive oil then grilled. The accompanying cool minty yogurt sauce is the perfect complement to the succulent lamb and slightly charred grilled vegetables.

Grilled Lamb Kebabs With Mint Yogurt Sauce

This quick and easy Mediterranean inspired dinner is perfect for a warm summer evening so invite a couple of friends over for a casual outdoor dinner party on your deck or patio. Serve your guests a chilled glass of crisp rosé or white wine along with some toasted pita chips and a platter of feta cheese, grape leaves, Baba Ganoush or hummus and some Marinated Olives or roasted peppers. Everything can all be purchased from your local market if you don’t want to prepare them yourself.

Mediterranean Appetizer Platter

Serve the lamb kebabs with a couscous stuffed tomato which can be prepared ahead of time and you have an effortless meal. Finish the dinner with some fresh sliced fruit or perhaps a simple Almond Cake With A Brown Butter Glaze.

Lamb Kebabs With Mint Yogurt Sauce

Serves 2, adjust the recipe accordingly

• 4 metal skewers (if using wood, soak in water for 30 minutes)
• 3/4 – 1 lb. leg of lamb trimmed of fat and cut into 1 – 1 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 red onion, pieces cut the same size as the lamb
• 1 red bell pepper, pieces cut the same size as the lamb
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 2 – 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 – 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. fresh mint, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the marinade by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, mint and thyme together in a small bowl. Place the lamb in a plastic zip bag and pour the marinade over it, massage the bag to make sure the lamb is well coated with the marinade. Close the bag, place on a plate and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or overnight. Remove the lamb and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you are ready to start cooking the meal. Drain the lamb and discard the marinade.

Preheat the grill to high. Thread the lamb, red onions, and red peppers on metal skewers, alternating the lamb and vegetables, don’t pack too tightly for proper cooking. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper. Note: I like to use two skewers for each kebab so that the meat and vegetables stay in place when turning.

Place the kebabs on the grill and cook, turning halfway, approximately 3 – 4 minutes a side  for medium rare or 5 minutes a side for medium. Exact timing will vary, depending on the thickness of the meat and the temperature of your grill but try not to overcook so that the lamb kebabs remain tender. Remove  the kebabs from the grill and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Serve the lamb kebabs with mint yogurt sauce passed at the table. (Recipe below)

Mint Yogurt Sauce

• 1 c. plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, minced finely
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh mint
• salt and pepper to taste

Warm the olive oil and minced garlic (I do this to mellow the flavor of the garlic but it is not necessary) then let cool. Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for about 30 minutes for the flavors meld. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.

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I do hope you will try the Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Mint Yogurt Sauce. The delicious marinade makes the lamb tender, juicy and very flavorful. Once marinated, the kebabs are quickly put together and grilled. I believe that the lamb kebabs are perfect for casual and easy summer entertaining with your friends. Your guests will leave your home talking about the enjoyable evening and the delicious meal that you shared with them.

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