Lamb Skewers with Green Olive & Mint Sauce

Serves two as a main dish.

by Molly Stevens
from Fine Cooking
Issue 59
Last Edit Date: 6/17/2011 2:29:25 PM

Cook these cumin-scented lamb kebabs over the grill or under the broiler, then drizzle on the chunky olive-mint vinaigrette.

more about:

3/4 lb. boneless lamb shoulder chops or lamb leg steaks, trimmed of extra fat and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
Pinch crushed red chile flakes
Kosher salt
2 tsp. red-wine vinegar
1 tsp. honey
2 Tbs. chopped pitted green olives
2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint leaves

Tip:

If using wooden skewers, soak them for 20 minutes in water before threading so they don't burn on the grill.

In a medium bowl, combine the lamb with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, 1/2 tsp. of the garlic, 1/2 tsp. of the cumin, the chile flakes, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Toss to coat and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, honey, olives, and the remaining garlic, cumin, and olive oil. Stir in the mint.

Thread the lamb onto 4 small skewers. Broil or grill the lamb, flipping once, until browned and sizzling, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the skewers to plates, spoon over the sauce, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the kebabs on a bed of couscous tossed with diced red peppers, and a side of Cucumber & Feta Salad with Mint & Dill.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 470; Fat (g): 35; Fat Calories (kcal): 310; Saturated Fat (g): 9; Protein (g): 35; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 22; Carbohydrates (g): 4; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 3; Sodium (mg): 800; Cholesterol (mg): 120; Fiber (g): 0;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by MarciaJMcI, 8/21/2012Made these for dinner this weekend, they are great! It was easy to put together and a great new flavor with lamb. I followed the recipe except that I made it for 10! I will be making this again.

by Artzee2, 8/16/2012What a wonderful way to prepare lamb. Very easy and the sauce is wonderful. I served it over brown rice with a Greek salad. Nice, fresh dinner. Would be great for company.

by MidwesternFoodie, 10/10/2011Completely agree with previous reviewer! I followed all the serving suggestions (couscous w/ red peppers and the cucumber dill salad)----perfection! The green olive sauce pulled everything together. Loved it!

by dburum, 9/20/2010Fantastic. Rarely do I repeat a recipe, but this is now a mainstay. The lamb is so tender and the Sauce dynamite. Surprising combination of ingredients, but a definite crowd pleaser.