Grilled Lamb Kebabs With Smoky Peaches

Grilled Lamb Kebabs With Smoky Peaches
Melina Hammer for The New York Times
Total Time
About 35 minutes
Rating
5(307)
Comments
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Taking a cue from the hot-weather regions of the world, John Willoughby and Chris Schlesinger go heavy with the seasoning here, but the key is when that happens. Instead of a marinade, or a spice rub, they grill the lamb and season it after with garlic, basil, vinegar and Tabasco sauce. It’s a great way to add big flavor without spending all day in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 1cup yogurt
  • ½cup minced fresh mint
  • 2pounds boneless lamb leg
  • ¼cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1tablespoon curry powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 2peaches, pitted and halved (not peeled)
  • 1tablespoon roughly chopped garlic
  • ¼cup roughly chopped fresh basil
  • ¼cup balsamic vinegar
  • 4 to 8shots Tabasco, depending on your desire for heat
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

692 calories; 49 grams fat; 17 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 24 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 16 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 12 grams sugars; 46 grams protein; 968 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Build a fire in your grill; when the coals are all covered with gray ash and the temperature is medium-hot (you can hold your hand 5 inches above the grill for 3 to 4 seconds), you are ready to cook. (For a gas grill, turn all burners to high, lower cover, and heat for 15 minutes, then turn burners to medium-high.)

  2. Step 2

    Mix the yogurt and mint together in a small bowl and set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Trim the lamb of most but not all fat and cut it into 32 large chunks, about 1 inch square. Add them to a large bowl with the olive oil, curry powder, salt and pepper, and toss well to coat, then thread onto 4 skewers.

  4. Step 4

    Put the skewers on the grill directly over the coals. Also put the peaches on the grill, cut side down, and cook until just slightly charred and softened, about 6 minutes. Take off the grill and cut into large wedges (about 6 per peach).

  5. Step 5

    At the same time, cook the lamb, turning to expose all 4 sides to the direct heat of the coals, until done to your liking, about 2 to 3 minutes per side (8 to 12 minutes total) for medium rare. (To check for doneness, cut into one of the chunks and check to see if it is cooked to your liking — remove from the heat when it is slightly less done than you want it to be when you eat it.)

  6. Step 6

    Put the peaches and lamb into a large bowl. Add the garlic, basil, vinegar and Tabasco, toss to coat, season with more salt and pepper if needed, and serve (over rice if you wish), accompanied by the yogurt and mint.

Ratings

5 out of 5
307 user ratings
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Comments

This was very tasty and easy. Next time I would pump up the heat somewhat by adding red pepper flakes to the curry rub. I served with a fruit chutney and pita bread and sliced red onion (in addition to the yogurt) and it was perfect.

I switched out the curry powder for Ras el Hanout and doubled the peaches. It was a huge hit. I would add extra cayenne pepper the next time,

Used chicken -- hit with a very tough audience. Don't overcook the chicken. Don't jam the chicken together on the skewer -- faster, more complete cooking if a bit of room between the pieces exists. Don't become neurotic about making sure there is space. Think loosely spaced.

Offer Tabasco as an option for diners -- prefer to heat to their own liking. If you do, make sure your curry powder is strong and fresh.

Consider increasing balsamic vinegar sauce by 50% to well coat all.

Delicious! I added spring onions and zucchini to my skewers. Used fig balsamic vinegar and habanero hot sauce. Served it with tricolor quinoa. Definitely making this again.

My husband and I aren't always adventurous with food pairings, but I really enjoyed this. It came together quickly, and although I was skeptical of the peaches, it was a nice touch. The fresh herbs were really nice in this dish!

Have made this a few times. Wonderful. We double the peaches.

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