SPICED LAMB SKEWERS WITH LEMONY ONIONS

Spiced Lamb Skewers With Lemony Onions image

Provided by Alison Roman

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless lamb leg or shoulder, excess fat trimmed, meat cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground sumac (optional)
5 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
Olive oil, for drizzling
1 cup cilantro, tender leaves and stems
1/2 cup pitted black olives, finely chopped
Lavash, pita or flatbread, for serving
Pickled cabbage, cucumbers, peppers or a mix, for serving

Steps:

Season lamb with salt and pepper. Add cumin and turmeric and toss to coat. (This can be done up to 24 hours ahead, if you like.)
If you're using a charcoal grill, build the fire so it's screaming hot. This lamb is to be cooked hot and fast so it can stay nicely medium-rare, so the hotter the better. If you're using a gas grill, set it on high. Bring a clean platter, cutting board or baking dish out to the grill for the skewers to rest in after cooking.
Combine onion, sumac (if using) and 3 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Set aside.
Combine yogurt and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Skewer the lamb onto wooden or metal skewers, 2 to 4 pieces per skewer.
Once the grill is hot, cook the skewers on all sides until deeply browned and lightly charred all over, 2 to 3 minutes per side (less time for smaller pieces), moving the skewers around as needed to prevent excessive flare-ups. (If you've trimmed most of the fat away from the lamb, the flare-ups shouldn't be too bad.)
Transfer the skewers to the platter, cutting board or baking dish to rest for a few minutes and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with the dressed onions, lemony yogurt, cilantro, olives, lavash and any pickled vegetables or peppers you like.