Cumin and Yoghurt Lamb Skewers | Smoke & Soil

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Cumin and Yoghurt Lamb Skewers — recipe

Recipes

BBQ

Everyday BBQ

Cumin and Yoghurt Lamb Skewers

Lamb shoulder cubes marinated in cumin and yoghurt, grilled on skewers for a simple, satisfying main.

Prep: 20 minCook: 15 min4 servingsMedium

Serves:

4

Ingredients

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Cumin and Yoghurt Lamb Skewers

by L Field

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Total

35 min

Serves

4

Level

Medium

Method

BBQ

Ingredients

Ingredients

600 gLamb

2 tbspCumin

150 gGreek Yoghurt

2Garlic

1 tbspLemon

1 tbspOlive Oil

1 tspSalt

Notes

Skewers and flatbread cook simultaneously over the fire.
Active cooking takes roughly 15 minutes.

Seasonal Variations

Add fresh herbs like mint or coriander in spring and summer.
Use warming spices like cinnamon or allspice for autumn variations.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)

350

kcal

28g

protein

2g

carbs

25g

fat

Values are estimates and vary with portion size and preparation.

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How did it turn out?

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Quick Reference

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Method: BBQ

Tags

BBQ friendlyDirect HeatEveryday BBQ

Equipment

tool

Metal Skewers

Metal skewers are an essential tool for anyone serious about fire cooking and BBQ. Their flat design is not just a detail but a functional necessity that prevents food from spinning as you turn them. This means even cooking and better control over the char and caramelisation on each piece. At Smoke & Soil, we believe in tools that enhance the cooking process without fuss or gimmicks, and metal skewers fit perfectly into that ethos. They allow you to cook homegrown, seasonal ingredients with precision and respect for the food’s natural flavours. Using metal skewers aligns with our focus on clean, whole-food cooking over fire. Unlike disposable wooden skewers, metal ones are reusable, durable, and environmentally friendly. They conduct heat, helping to cook food from the inside out, which is especially useful for denser vegetables and thicker cuts of meat. When using them, it is important to space out your ingredients to ensure heat circulates properly, avoiding the common mistake of overcrowding. This simple practice leads to better texture and flavour development. Practical advice for using metal skewers includes oiling them lightly before threading your food. This prevents sticking and tearing, especially with delicate vegetables or marinated items. Keep in mind that mixing ingredients with very different cooking times on the same skewer can lead to uneven results. Instead, group similar items together. After cooking, allow your skewers to cool before cleaning to maintain their longevity. With proper care, metal skewers become a reliable companion for everyday BBQ and elevate your fire-cooking experience.

grill

Firepit

A firepit is the most elemental and authentic way to cook outdoors, connecting you directly with the primal art of fire and ember cooking. It embodies the Smoke & Soil ethos by encouraging patience, respect for seasonal and homegrown ingredients, and a clean, whole-food approach to cooking over natural heat. Unlike conventional grills, a firepit demands an understanding of fire management, from building a steady ember bed to creating distinct heat zones for versatile cooking. This process rewards you with unmatched flavour complexity and an atmosphere that no other cooking method can replicate. Using a firepit properly means resisting the urge to cook over roaring flames. Instead, wait for the flames to die down and the wood to become glowing embers. This ensures even heat and prevents food from charring or tasting bitter. Choosing the right wood is crucial: seasoned hardwoods produce clean smoke that enhances flavour, while damp or unseasoned wood creates acrid, dirty smoke that can ruin your food. Managing the fire to establish zones of varying heat allows you to cook different cuts and ingredients simultaneously, from searing over high heat to slow cooking over gentle embers. Beyond cooking, the firepit is a social focal point, perfect for gathering friends and family around the fire. It encourages a relaxed, no-rush approach to BBQ, where the process is as important as the result. Mastering the firepit takes practice and patience, but it is a deeply rewarding skill that elevates everyday BBQ to an art form. It aligns perfectly with Smoke & Soil’s commitment to grounded, no-nonsense cooking that celebrates natural flavours and the joy of fire-cooked food.

tool

Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls are a fundamental yet often overlooked tool in any BBQ or fire-cooking setup. They are essential for quick, efficient prep work, allowing you to combine ingredients, whisk dressings, and marinate proteins with ease. At Smoke & Soil, we value simplicity and functionality, and a good set of mixing bowls fits perfectly into that ethos. They enable you to work cleanly and effectively, helping you to focus on quality ingredients and straightforward techniques rather than fuss. Choosing the right mixing bowls matters. Stainless steel and glass are the best options as they do not retain odours or stains, and they handle acidic ingredients without issue. Plastic bowls may seem convenient but they can absorb oils and smells, which compromises flavour and cleanliness. Having a nesting set in small, medium, and large sizes covers all prep needs from emulsifying dressings to tossing slaws and marinating larger cuts of meat. Practicality is key. Avoid bowls that are too small as this leads to splashing and poor emulsification. Also, never stack wet bowls as trapped moisture can cause rust or bacterial growth. Dry them thoroughly before nesting and store them in a dry place. This simple attention to detail extends the life of your bowls and keeps your prep area hygienic and efficient.

grill

Kettle BBQ

The kettle BBQ is the quintessential all-rounder for British back gardens and patios. Its design allows it to function as both a direct grill and a convection oven, making it incredibly versatile for everyday BBQs. At Smoke & Soil, we value equipment that supports clean, whole-food cooking over fire and the kettle fits perfectly into this ethos. Its ability to maintain steady temperatures with the lid closed means you can slow-cook seasonal vegetables or roast joints with ease, while opening the lid transforms it into a classic open-flame grill for quick searing. Understanding how to control airflow through the vents is crucial to mastering the kettle BBQ. The bottom vents regulate oxygen to the coals, controlling heat intensity, while the top vent manages smoke and temperature by allowing hot air to escape. This simple but effective system lets you create two-zone setups for different cooking methods simultaneously. For example, sear your meat over direct heat then move it to the cooler side for gentle finishing. This flexibility is why the kettle remains the go-to cooker for both beginners and seasoned pitmasters. Practical use of the kettle BBQ means respecting its strengths and limitations. Always wait until the coals are fully ashed over and glowing before adding food, ensuring consistent heat and avoiding flare-ups. Resist the temptation to spread coals evenly across the base; instead, bank them to one side for indirect cooking options. Using the lid properly turns your grill into an oven, locking in moisture and flavour. This approach aligns with Smoke & Soil’s no-nonsense philosophy: get the fundamentals right, work with the fire, and let your ingredients shine.

tool

Long Tongs

Long tongs are an essential tool for anyone serious about fire cooking and BBQ. They provide the reach and control necessary to handle food and coals safely over open flames or hot grills. At Smoke & Soil, we believe in equipment that lasts and performs without fuss. Investing in a quality pair of long tongs means you avoid the frustration and hazards of using inadequate tools. They allow you to turn meat gently, move embers with precision, and handle vegetables without bruising or damage. This fits perfectly with our ethos of clean, whole-food cooking where the integrity of ingredients is respected. Using long tongs correctly is about finesse as much as function. Avoid the common mistake of gripping too tightly and crushing your meat, which squeezes out precious juices and ruins texture. Instead, think of the tongs as an extension of your hand, applying just enough pressure to hold and turn food confidently. Their length keeps your hands safe from heat and flare-ups, which is vital for a calm, controlled cooking process. The ability to move coals or embers also means you can manage your fire with ease, maintaining the right temperature zones for indirect or direct cooking. Practicality is key. Look for stainless steel models with a good locking mechanism for storage. This prevents the spring from bending or loosening over time. A well-made pair will be dishwasher-safe, but regular checks on the hinge tension ensure they stay responsive and reliable. Long tongs are not just a tool, they are a partner in your BBQ journey, helping you cook with confidence and respect for your ingredients and fire.

Techniques

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Written by

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Balsamic and Olive Oil Dressing — recipe

Balsamic and Olive Oil Dressing

Simple balsamic and olive oil dressing perfect for grilled pork steaks and charred radicchio.

0.5 tsp

Black Pepper

Method

1
Prepare the marinade (20 minutes)
In a mixing bowl, combine the yoghurt, ground cumin, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
20 min
2
Marinate the lamb
Add the lamb shoulder cubes to the marinade. Stir to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight.
3
Thread lamb onto skewers
Thread the marinated lamb cubes evenly onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
4
Cook the lamb skewers (15 minutes)
Place the skewers over direct heat on a hot firepit or charcoal grill. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes, turning regularly until cooked through and charred at the edges.
15 min
5
Rest the lamb skewers (5 minutes)
Remove from the grill and rest the skewers for 5 minutes before serving.
5 min

Notes

Skewers and flatbread cook simultaneously over the fire.
Active cooking takes roughly 15 minutes.

Seasonal Variations

Add fresh herbs like mint or coriander in spring and summer.
Use warming spices like cinnamon or allspice for autumn variations.

Nutrition

Per serving (estimate)

350

kcal

28g

protein

2g

carbs

25g

fat

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