Lamb And Vegetable Souvlaki Recipe

There’s nothing quite like inviting friends over and grilling up a feast of tender lamb and colorful veggies on skewers, letting those smoky, zesty flavors intertwine on the grill while you’re sipping something cold. Lamb and Vegetable Souvlaki: it’s like a Mediterranean vacation right in your backyard!

I adore the vibrant and fresh flavors of the Mediterranean, and my Lamb and Vegetable Souvlaki is a perfect case in point. It combines tender, marinated cubes of lamb with vibrant, colorful veggies.

The marinade is a delightful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic spices—oregano and cumin are my go-to spices for this dish—that’s supposed to be protein-rich and filling and also pretty much guilt-free. It’s sizzling and served on skewers, with summer veggies and warm pita bread.

Lamb And Vegetable Souvlaki Recipe Ingredients

• Lamb: High in protein and rich in iron, it provides essential nutrients for muscle and energy.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health and adding richness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tanginess, while providing vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Garlic: Known for its potential health benefits, adds depth and aids in boosting immunity.
• Oregano: Aromatic and flavorful, with antioxidants that enhance the dish’s aromatic profile.
• Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crisp, it is high in vitamins A and C, contributing to vibrant colors.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, savory warmth, enhancing the depth of flavor in the dish.

Lamb And Vegetable Souvlaki Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless lamb leg or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Pita bread, for serving
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving

How to Make this Lamb And Vegetable Souvlaki Recipe

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to create a marinade.

2. Add the marinade to the lamb cubes, making sure to coat them completely. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to allow the lamb to soak in the flavors. The more time you give it, the better the taste will be. At a minimum, let it marinate for 2 hours; overnight is optimal.

3. The grill should be set to medium-high heat, or your oven broiler should be set to preheat.

4. Skewering the marinated lamb cubes is essential before cooking. The skewers are natural; choose them as you would not be so kind as to chop the ingredients that enhance skewered lamb’s flavor and fragrance in a dish. The good alternate ingredients are red or yellow bell pepper, red onion wedges, and zucchini slices.

5. To prevent wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes before using.

6. Put the skewers on the grill or in the oven on a baking sheet. Cook them for around 10-12 minutes, turning them every so often, until the lamb is done as you like it and the veggies are nice and tender.

7. When the skewers are on the grill or in the oven, place the pita bread on the fire or in the oven for a few minutes until they soften and become pliable.

8. Take the skewers off the grill or out of the oven and allow them to sit for a couple of minutes.

9. Skewers should be served hot alongside warmed pita bread and a substantial amount of tzatziki sauce.

10. Relish your Lamb and Vegetable Souvlaki with loved ones!

Lamb And Vegetable Souvlaki Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Refrigerator
7. Grill or oven with broiler function
8. Baking sheet (if using oven)
9. Wooden or metal skewers
10. Tongs or spatula (for turning skewers)
11. Oven mitts or pot holders
12. Serving platter or plate

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb?A: Yes, beef or chicken can be used instead. Just be aware that they might require slightly different cooking times.
• Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?A: If you’re making a version of this that doesn’t contain meat, you might try replacing the lamb with extra vegetables and using firm tofu in place of meat.
• Q: Can I prepare the skewers in advance?A: Certainly, you may soak the lamb and slice the veggies in advance. Put together the skewers and keep them in the refrigerator until it’s go-time.
• Q: What is the ideal grilling time for the skewers?A: Cook the skewers on a grill for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally, and ensure that not just the lamb but also the vegetables are cooked through and are tender.
• Q: Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before using?A: 30 minutes, at the very least. You want to really make sure they’re soaked through; otherwise, you’ll have skewers that could become toast traps. Thread your ingredients onto those wet skewers, and know that you’ve set yourself up for success on the grill.
• Q: How do I adjust the seasoning for more flavor?A: For a bolder flavor, feel free to amp up the garlic, lemon juice, or spices to your personal taste.

Lamb And Vegetable Souvlaki Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting for boneless lamb, you can use boneless beef sirloin or chicken thigh to create a dish with a different flavor profile.
If you can’t get hold of olive oil, use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead.
Use lime juice or apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice.
If you don’t have smoked paprika, use regular paprika or cayenne pepper (in smaller quantity) as a substitute.
Green bell peppers or poblano peppers can be substituted for red and yellow bell peppers.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor If time allows, marinate the lamb overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors of the lemon, garlic, and spices to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more delicious and tender dish.

2. Achieve Even Grilling When assembling the skewers, try to cut all ingredients into similarly sized pieces. This ensures that everything cooks evenly, preventing smaller pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.

3. Rest the Lamb Before Serving After removing the skewers from the grill or oven, let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it succulent and juicy.

4. Enhance the Tzatziki Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as mint or dill to the tzatziki sauce for an extra layer of freshness and flavor that complements the grilled lamb and vegetables.

5. Amp Up the Smoke If using a grill, consider adding a few wood chips to the coals or using a smoker box to infuse additional smoky flavor into the lamb and vegetables, enhancing their overall taste.