Emeril Lagasse’s Greek-Style Lamb Kebabs

Greek-Style Lamb Kebabs
(Makes 8 servings)

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 pounds boneless leg or shoulder of lamb [lean], cut into 1-inch cubes
• 10 bamboo skewers
• 8 pita breads, warmed, for serving
• Feta spread, for serving

Directions

1. In large bowl, combine onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, mint, salt, cumin, paprika, pepper, and olive oil. Stir well.
2. Add lamb and toss to coat with marinade.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
4. Soak skewers in warm water for about 1 hour before assembling kebabs.
5. Preheat grill to high, and lightly oil grate.
6. Thread lamb onto soaked skewers, and place them on grill. Cook, turning frequently to promote even browning, for 12 to 14 minutes.
7. Wrap pita bread around meat on skewer, and while holding bread firmly around meat, twist skewer out of meat.
8. Drizzle meat with feta spread to your liking. Repeat with remaining pitas and skewers, and enjoy!

Greek-Style Lamb Kabobs and Feta Spread by Emeril Lagasse, from Emeril at the Grill: A Cookbook for All Seasons, Harper Studio Publishers, New York, 2009, courtesy Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.; Photo by Steven Freeman

Emeril’s Feta Spread

This feta spread is perfect when paired with Greek-style lamb kebabs.

Feta Spread
(Makes 2 cups)

Ingredients

• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup Greek-style yogurt
• 2 tablespoons minced green onion tops
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt, or more to taste (depending on the saltiness of the feta)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in bowl, and stir to blend well.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow flavors to blend.

Greek-Style Lamb Kabobs and Feta Spread by Emeril Lagasse, from Emeril at the Grill: A Cookbook for All Seasons, Harper Studio Publishers, New York, 2009, courtesy Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.; Photo by Steven Freeman