GRILLED LAMB SPIEDINI WITH EGGPLANT, RED BELL PEPPER, AND ARUGULA SALAD

Grilled Lamb Spiedini with Eggplant, Red Bell Pepper, and Arugula Salad image

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Lamb:
3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 3/4 pounds 3/4- to 1-inch-thick lamb shoulder blade chops, fat trimmed, deboned, meat cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 pounds yield)
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Salad:
2 red bell peppers
1 large eggplant (14 to 15 ounces), peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons drained capers
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
4 cups baby arugula (3 to 4 ounces)
Special Equipment
6 long metal skewers

Steps:

For lamb:
Combine garlic, oil, and oregano in large bowl; whisk to blend. Add lamb, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss to coat. Cover and chill 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated, tossing occasionally.
For salad:
Char peppers directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag and steam 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and coarsely chop peppers. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap and chill.
Place eggplant in large colander. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Let stand 30 minutes. Rinse eggplant; drain well and pat dry. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant to skillet and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Add lemon juice, capers, oregano, roasted peppers, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil to eggplant and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer salad to large bowl.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Thread lamb cubes onto 6 long metal skewers, dividing equally. Grill lamb until cooked to desired doneness, turning skewers occasionally, about 10 minutes for medium-rare.
Add arugula to eggplant salad and toss gently to combine. Serve lamb spiedini with salad alongside.