Georgian Shashlyk Caucasian Style Skewered Lamb Recipes

Steps:

• Marinade: In a large bowl, beat together the grated onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Add the meat and toss it in the marinade to coat it thoroughly, then allow to marinate at room temperature for at least 3 hours, tossing every hour or so to keep the meat moist.
• Light a layer of coals in a charcoal broiler and burn until a white ash appears on the surface, or preheat your kitchen broiler to its highest point.
• Remove the meat from the marinade and string them on 4 long skewers, pressing them firmly together, alternate the lamb with the chunks of onion.
• Broil 4" from the source of the heat, turning the skewers occasionally, until the meat is done to your taste and the onions are brown.
• For rare allow about 10 minutes; well-done (which is more typical of Georgian cooking) will take about 15.
• Slide the meat off onto individual plates and garnish with scallions and lemon.

Steps:

• For the marinade: Combine first 8 ingredients.
• Cut lamb up into 1/2" thick, 1" wide, 3" long strips.
• Pour marinade over lamb and chill overnight. Turning occasionally.
• For the veggies: Combine the next 10 ingredients and let chill over night.
• Skewer meat. If using wooden skewers, soak for an hour in water first. About 8 slices per stick.
• Prepare grill. Add wood chips. Any type will do.
• Grill until meat is done, brushing often with marinade. Meat should be brown around the edges, but still a little pink in the center. Don't dry the meat out.
• Serve with warm pita. Guests should wrap a warm pita round the meat and pull the skewer our, then top their "taco" with marinated veggies, feta, and tzaziki.
• For the tzaziki: Place the yogurt in cheese cloth. Twist to bind and squeeze the yogurt. Place in colander over a bowl to drain for an hour or so.
• Peel and slice a cucumber down the middle, and spoon out the seeds.
• Grate the cucumber. Squeeze out as much juice as you can.
• In a bowl, mix the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, oil, salt, mint, and lemon juice. Let chill a few hours (over night is best).
• For the pita: Buy pita flat bread (whole breads without the pocket).
• Mix olive oil with paprika.
• Brush each piece on both sides with a little of the olive oil.
• Place on hot griddle and warm thoroughly (about a minute or so on each side).
• Serve warm.

Steps:

• Mix the lamb with the lemon and juice, oil, garlic and rosemary. Season well. Cover with cling film and leave to chill for a few hours or, if possible, overnight.
• Thread the lamb onto large metal or wooden skewers, alternating with the peppers and onions. (If using wooden skewers, soak for 20 mins before using.)
• Get your coals hot, then put the lamb skewers over the heat and cook for about 5 mins until well coloured. Turn over and cook for a further 5-10 mins until cooked to your liking and nicely charred. To test if the lamb is done, put a large skewer into the middle of the meat and press down on the flesh. If the juice that runs from it is bloody, it's not cooked enough. If the juice is pink and watery, the lamb is cooked the way I like it. If the liquid is completely clear, the lamb is well done. Allow the meat to rest for a few mins before serving with flatbreads, yogurt, chilli sauce, and tomato and cucumber.