Luleh Kebabs Recipe - Ground Lamb with Onion, Egg, Salt, Pepper, and Cinnamon

Luleh Kebabs

Luleh Kebabs Recipe - Ground Lamb with Onion, Egg, Salt, Pepper, and Cinnamon
Region / culture: Armenia, Azerbaijan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10-15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Luleh Kebabs
Luleh Kebabs

Luleh Kebabs are a popular Middle Eastern dish made with ground lamb and a blend of spices. These kebabs are typically grilled over hot coals or under the broiler, resulting in a delicious and flavorful meal.

History

Luleh Kebabs have been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire and has since spread to various countries in the region. The combination of ground lamb and spices creates a unique and savory flavor that is loved by many.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Soak the wooden skewers in warm water for 20-30 minutes before preparing the food.
  2. Place the meat in a large bowl and add the onion, egg, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
  3. Mix well with a spoon until the meat turns lighter in color.
  4. Take a handful of the mixture and shape it around the skewer to form an elongated patty, approximately 6" long and 1" in diameter. It may be helpful to oil your hands and lay out some wax paper to work on.
  5. Place the kebabs on wax paper on another plate and set aside until ready to grill.
  6. Grill the kebabs over hot coals or under the broiler, turning once, until cooked through.
  7. Serve with lemon wedges and chelou (rice) with a sprinkling of sumak seasoning, if desired.

Variations

  • Substitute ground beef or chicken for the lamb.
  • Add chopped herbs such as parsley or mint to the meat mixture for added flavor.
  • Serve the kebabs with a tahini sauce or hummus for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the wooden skewers in warm water before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.

- Use lean ground lamb for a healthier option.

- Make sure to mix the meat mixture well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.

- Serve the kebabs with lemon wedges and rice for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Luleh Kebabs with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, and a yogurt sauce for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grill the kebabs over hot coals or under the broiler, turning once, until cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground lamb, you can use ground beef or chicken as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture for the kebabs ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the kebabs on a platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of sumak seasoning for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Luleh Kebabs pair well with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, and a cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Luleh Kebabs contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Luleh Kebabs contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Luleh Kebabs contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Luleh Kebabs contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Luleh Kebabs are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Luleh Kebabs contain egg and may also contain traces of wheat.

Summary

Luleh Kebabs are a high-protein dish that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They are a flavorful and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Luleh Kebabs are a delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with ground lamb and a blend of spices. They are easy to prepare and perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. Enjoy these kebabs with a side of rice and grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Luleh Kebabs. It was many years ago, during my travels in the Middle East. I had always been drawn to the flavors and aromas of the region, and I was eager to learn more about their traditional dishes.

I was exploring the bustling markets of Istanbul when I stumbled upon a small, unassuming food stall tucked away in a corner. The air was filled with the tantalizing scent of grilled meats and exotic spices, and I knew I had to try whatever they were cooking up. As I approached the stall, I saw a man skillfully skewering chunks of seasoned meat onto long metal rods. He smiled warmly at me and gestured for me to take a seat at one of the nearby tables.

I watched in awe as he expertly grilled the meat over an open flame, turning the skewers with a practiced hand. The meat sizzled and crackled, sending up plumes of fragrant smoke that made my mouth water. Finally, he plated the kebabs and handed me a steaming hot skewer. I took a bite and was immediately transported to culinary heaven.

The meat was tender and juicy, infused with the flavors of garlic, onion, and a secret blend of spices that danced on my taste buds. I savored every bite, marveling at the perfect balance of flavors and textures. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

I struck up a conversation with the man, who introduced himself as Ali. He was a seasoned chef who had been making kebabs for decades, and he graciously agreed to share his recipe with me. We spent the afternoon together, as he walked me through each step of the process, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the art of grilling over an open flame.

I watched, mesmerized, as Ali deftly chopped and seasoned the meat, his hands moving with the precision of a seasoned craftsman. He explained the importance of marinating the meat for hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop. He showed me how to form the meat mixture into elongated cylinders, pressing them onto the skewers with just the right amount of pressure.

As the sun began to set over the bustling city, Ali fired up the grill and showed me how to cook the kebabs to perfection. He demonstrated the importance of rotating the skewers regularly to ensure even cooking, and how to tell when the meat was done just right. The kebabs sizzled and charred, sending up clouds of tantalizing smoke that drew a crowd of hungry onlookers.

Finally, the kebabs were ready, and Ali plated them up with a flourish. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The meat was succulent and rich, with a perfect balance of savory and spicy notes. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, feeling as though I had unlocked a culinary secret that had been hidden from me for far too long.

As I bid Ali farewell and thanked him for his generosity, I knew that I had found a new passion. The art of making Luleh Kebabs had captured my heart, and I was determined to perfect the recipe and share it with my loved ones back home.

Back in my own kitchen, I set to work recreating Ali's recipe, using the skills and techniques he had taught me. I sourced the freshest meat and spices, and marinated the meat for hours to allow the flavors to infuse. I shaped the meat mixture into perfect cylinders and threaded them onto skewers with care.

As I grilled the kebabs over my own flame, I could almost hear Ali's voice guiding me through each step. The meat sizzled and crackled, sending up the same tantalizing aroma that had captivated me in Istanbul. I rotated the skewers with precision, ensuring that each kebab was cooked to perfection.

Finally, the kebabs were ready, and I plated them up with pride. I set the table with fresh salads, warm pita bread, and tangy yogurt sauce, just as Ali had done. I called my family to the table and watched as their eyes lit up with anticipation.

As they bit into the kebabs, their faces lit up with joy. The flavors were familiar yet exotic, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. They savored each bite, just as I had done in Istanbul, and I knew that I had succeeded in bringing a taste of the Middle East into our home.

Since that fateful day in Istanbul, Luleh Kebabs have become a staple in our family gatherings. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the knowledge and inspiration that Ali had so generously shared with me. Each time I grill up a batch of kebabs, I am transported back to that bustling market stall, and I am grateful for the culinary adventure that brought me there.

I may have learned to make Luleh Kebabs from a stranger in a far-off land, but the flavors and memories of that day have become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. And as I watch my loved ones savor each bite of these delicious kebabs, I am reminded of the power of food to bring us together, no matter where we come from or where our journey takes us.

Categories

| Armenian Meat Dishes | Armenian Recipes | Azerbaijani Meat Dishes | Azerbaijani Recipes | Cinnamon Recipes | Egg Recipes | Ground Lamb Recipes | Onion Recipes | Skewer Recipes |

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