Lamb Souvlaki

By markemilw

In this updated classic, lamb is marinated in lemon, rosemary, and oregano and grilled on skewers, then served with a tart tomato relish and peppery marinated feta.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 boneless leg of lamb (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 red onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 8 whole pitas
• 3 tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing tomatoes
• Coarse salt
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 thin strip (3 inches long) lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon whole pink peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
• 1 pound Greek feta, thinly sliced

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from marthastewart.com

Preparation

Step 1

For the kebabs: Combine oil, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic. Combine marinade and lamb. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Make the tomato relish: Preheat grill to medium-high. (If you are using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill for just 3 or 4 seconds.) Brush tomatoes with oil, and season with salt. Grill until charred and softened, about 5 minutes per side. Coarsely chop, then place in a sieve set over a bowl. Let drain for 10 minutes. Discard liquid.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook shallot until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add water and sugar, and simmer until liquid has reduced by half. Add tomatoes and vinegar, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and the cayenne. Let cool.

Make the marinated feta: Combine oil, lemon zest and juice, dill, pink and black peppercorns, and red-pepper flakes in a nonreactive dish. Add feta, and turn to coat. Marinate until ready to serve (no longer than 1 hour or cheese will begin to break down).

Thread lamb and onions onto 8 skewers, alternating. Thread a lemon wedge onto one end of each skewer. Season with salt and pepper. Grill until a meat thermometer inserted into lamb registers 130 degrees for medium-rare and onions and lemons are caramelized, about 5 minutes per side. To serve, place each kebab on top of a whole pita, pull out the skewer, and top lamb with relish. Crumble feta over top.