Ramadan Iftar: Single-Serving Lamb Kebab With Tzatziki

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and easy recipe for single-serving lamb kebab with tzatziki. Bursting with flavors and perfect for Ramadan iftar, this dish will have you coming back for seconds. With step-by-step instructions and precise measurements, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the lamb kebab:

• 200g ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the tzatziki:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

• Pita bread
• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Red onion slices

Preparation

Preparing the kebab:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Take a small portion of the lamb mixture and shape it into a long, thin kebab shape. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Place the kebabs on a tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Making the tzatziki:

1. In another bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki until ready to serve.

Assembling the dish:

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Take the marinated kebabs out of the refrigerator.
3. Grill the kebabs for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and nicely charred.
4. While the kebabs are grilling, prepare the pita bread by lightly toasting them on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Once the kebabs are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
6. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki on the toasted pita bread.
7. Place a grilled kebab on top of the tzatziki.
8. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion slices to the kebab.
9. Roll the pita bread tightly around the filling to form a wrap or serve it as an open-faced sandwich.
10. Serve the lamb kebab with tzatziki immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Instructions

Grilling the kebab:

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Take the marinated kebabs out of the refrigerator and place them on the grill.
3. Cook the kebabs for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and nicely charred.
4. Use tongs to flip the kebabs carefully to ensure even cooking.
5. Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Making the bread:

1. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Place the pita bread on the grill or in the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly toasted with grill marks.
3. Flip the bread carefully to ensure even toasting.
4. Once toasted, remove the bread from the heat and set aside until ready to assemble the kebab.

Grilling the bread:

1. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Place the pita bread on the grill or in the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly toasted with grill marks.
3. Flip the bread carefully to ensure even toasting.
4. Once toasted, remove the bread from the heat and set aside until ready to assemble the kebab.

Tips and Variations

Vegetarian alternative:

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground lamb in the kebab with a meat alternative such as textured vegetable protein (TVP), tofu, or seitan. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to enhance the flavors of the vegetarian alternative.

Marinade variations:

Feel free to experiment with different marinade variations for the lamb kebab to suit your taste preferences. You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili flakes to give the kebab a unique and flavorful twist.

Serving suggestions:

Aside from the traditional pita bread and tzatziki, you can serve the lamb kebab with a side of rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of lamb?

Yes, you can definitely substitute the ground lamb with ground beef if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the kebabs will be slightly different, but equally delicious.

How can I make the kebab spicier?

If you like your kebabs to have a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chili powder to the lamb mixture before shaping them into kebabs. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

While homemade tzatziki is always the best option, you can use store-bought tzatziki if you’re short on time or don’t have the ingredients on hand. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning of the store-bought tzatziki before using it for the kebabs.

Conclusion

Enjoy your homemade single-serving lamb kebab with tzatziki this Ramadan Iftar. With its flavorful and juicy meat, tangy tzatziki, and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full and content. Get creative with variations and serving suggestions to make it your own. Happy feasting!