Middle Eastern Lamb with Yogurt Sauce

Mark Holzkopf's Grilled Lamb Chops

This is a favorite recipe from an old catering customer of mine from the Middle East. The ground spice mixture makes an excellent rub for racks of lamb. Don’t be daunted by the number of ingredients that go into the mix. The combination flatters the flavor of lamb rather than overpowering it. However, I also love the ground lamb sold at Holzkopf’s. It has just the right amount of fat and is an economical choice. The ground pine nut mixture used in the recipe is an excellent binder that also adds great flavor. If possible, cook over charcoal.

Serves 4 to 6.

Middle Eastern Lamb

Ingredients

1½
 pounds ground lamb

Dry Spice Mixture
1 
tsp hot smoked paprika

1 
tsp salt

1 
tsp freshly ground cumin

½ 
tsp freshly ground black pepper


¼ tsp freshly ground coriander


¼
 tsp ground cloves


¼ 
tsp ground cinnamon

pinch ground nutmeg

For Lamb Patties
½
 cup pine nuts

4 
cloves garlic, peeled

½ cup grated onion, squeezed dry

⅓
 cup minced fresh parsley

⅓
 cup minced fresh mint

Instructions for Lamb Patties

Process pine nuts, garlic, paprika, salt, cumin, pepper, coriander, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg in a food processor until a coarse paste forms, 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Add lamb, onion, parsley, and mint. Knead with your hands until thoroughly combined and the mixture feels slightly sticky, about 2 minutes. Shape into small flat patties and grill. Serve with fresh pita and yogurt sauce.


Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

1 
cup plain whole-milk yogurt

2 
Tbl lemon juice

2 
Tbl tahini

1 
garlic clove, minced

½
 tsp salt

Instructions

Combine the following ingredients until smooth.

2 Comments

  • jocelyn porras says:

    amazing recipe, easy and full of flavor to enjoy with your loved ones, thanks Lisa for sharing all this information that helps us grow =)

  • Fadia jawdat says:

    Thanks Lisa for allowing me to unearth the secrets of this spice mix! I also have been a long time fam of tahini and yogurt combo! This proves that I am not alone!

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