Turkish Lamb Kebabs

Tender cubes of marinated lamb grilled to perfection and served in warm lavash bread with a fresh tomato-onion relish. This authentic Turkish dish combines aromatic spices like Urfa and Maras peppers with herbs and olive oil for a delicious Mediterranean meal.

4 servings
39 min

Ingredients

  • 1 medium red onion
  • ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 medium tomato
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ tablespoon Urfa pepper
  • ½ tablespoon Maras pepper
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • pound boneless leg of lamb
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 pieces soft lavash bread
  • 8 pieces wooden skewers
  • 30 minutes soaking time

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce heat to moderate.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Stir together onion, parsley, tomato, oregano, Urfa and Maras peppers, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Pat lamb dry, then toss with black pepper, 1 tablespoon oil, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and thread 4 lamb cubes onto each skewer, leaving a little space in between cubes. Brush lavash (on both sides) with remaining 3 tablespoons oil and transfer to a platter.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Grill lamb, covered only if using a gas grill, on lightly oiled grill rack, turning over once, until medium-rare, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer lamb skewers to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm.

    8 min

  5. 5.

    Grill lavash, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over once, until just heated through and lightly browned but still flexible, about 45 seconds total.

    1 min

  6. 6.

    Remove lamb from skewers and divide among pieces of lavash. Top lamb with tomato mixture and roll up lavash to enclose lamb. Serve immediately.

    5 min