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TURKISH-INSPIRED GRILLED LAMB SKEWERS PLATTER WITH TOMATO-ONION SALAD AND LEMON COUSCOUS

TURKISH-INSPIRED GRILLED LAMB SKEWERS PLATTER WITH TOMATO-ONION SALAD AND LEMON COUSCOUS

TURKISH-INSPIRED GRILLED LAMB SKEWERS PLATTER WITH TOMATO-ONION SALAD AND LEMON COUSCOUS

A refreshing tomato and onion salad paired with flavorful grilled lamb skewers and a bright lemon couscous makes for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal. Balanced with a creamy ricotta-feta spread and roasted chili peppers, this platter is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.


πŸ•’ Prep Time: 30 min (+ marinating)

🍳 Grill Time: 12-15 min
🍽️ Servings: 2
πŸ”₯ Calories: Approx. 1215 cal per serving


Ingredients

Lamb Skewers:

  • 350 g lamb meat, cut into 1.5–2 cm cubes
  • 1 tsp hot chili paste
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1 large garlic clove, crushed
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Β½ tsp ground cumin
  • ΒΌ tsp ground coriander
  • ΒΌ tsp sugar
  • Β½ tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Tomato and Onion Salad:

  • 150–200 g colorful cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 10 fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Lemon Couscous:

  • Β½ cup couscous
  • Juice of Β½ lemon
  • 2–3 small red chili peppers
  • 1 tbsp ricotta-feta cream (see recipe link)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lamb:
    Thread lamb cubes onto wooden or metal skewers (4 pieces per skewer, total 6 skewers).
    Mix all marinade ingredients and coat the lamb thoroughly. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Marinate in the fridge for a few hours, then remove 15 minutes before grilling.
  2. Prepare the couscous:
    Combine couscous with salt and lemon juice. Pour Β½ cup boiling water over, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and adjust salt to taste.
  3. Make the salad:
    Thinly slice the red onion into fine strips. Sprinkle lightly with salt and massage gently to soften. Let rest for 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and let sit for 10 more minutes. Just before serving, add halved cherry tomatoes, chopped mint, and olive oil.
  4. Grill:
    Heat a cast-iron grill pan for 5 minutes without oil. Place chili peppers around the pan edges to roast slowly. Add lamb skewers spaced apart, grill for 2–3 minutes per side, finishing with 30 seconds on each skewer’s edges.
  5. Assemble the platter:
    Spread couscous on a wide serving plate. Arrange grilled lamb skewers on top. Add tomato-onion salad and dollops of ricotta-feta cream alongside. Garnish with roasted chili peppers and chopped parsley.

πŸ’‘ Tips

  • Use fresh spices for the marinade for authentic flavor.
  • Soften onions with salt and lemon to mellow their bite.
  • Roast chili peppers gently for smoky heat.
  • Serve with warm pita or crusty bread for a complete meal.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Mediterranean-inspired lunches and dinners
  • Grilling season platters
  • Family-style shared meals

πŸ“ Final Thoughts

This Turkish-inspired platter delivers a harmonious blend of smoky grilled lamb, fresh and zesty salad, and creamy accents. It’s an inviting and flavorful way to enjoy a balanced, colorful meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.