Lamb + Beef Kabobs with Roasted Vegetables

I got the inspiration to make these lamb +Beef kabobs from Kofta Kabobs. The word kofta (or kefta) has its origins in Persian, and it means grounded or pounded. You can have meat kofta, seafood kofta or even a vegetarian kofta. These are pretty easy to make. I wanted to include as many Mediterranean spices + vegetables and sides as I could. This is not an authentic dish by any means but it is delicious and a great family meal.

Please be aware: If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them for 30 minutes to 1 hour before using so they don’t catch on fire.

Lamb + Beef Kabobs with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

For the Kabobs:

• Ground beef

• Ground lamb

• Yellow onions, quartered

• Garlic cloves

• 1 whole bunch parsley

• S + P

• Ground allspice

• Ground nutmeg

• Paprika

• Olive oil

• Mint, you can use fresh or dried

FOR THE GRILLED VEGETABLES

• 4 ripe but firm Roma tomatoes

• 1 onion

• 1 bell pepper, stem removed, deseeded and quartered

• Olive oil to brush the vegetables

• S + P

Instructions:

1. Finely chop the garlic, onion and parsley. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to do this.

2. Add the beef, lamb and the spices. Run the processor until all is well combined forming a pasty meat mixture. If you’re doing this by hand, just mix all the ingredients in a bowl until everything is well combined and the meat looks almost pasty.

3. Preheat the oven to 400.

4. Take a fistful portion of the meat mixture and mold it on a wooden skewer. Repeat the process until you have run out of meat. For best results, make sure each kofta kebab is about 1 inch in thickness.

5. Set the skewers on top of a roasting pan with a rack, so the meat does not touch the bottom of the pan. Continue making the rest of the kabobs. Place in the oven and roast for 25-30 min.

6. To make the roasted vegetables, quarter the tomatoes, onions and bell pepper. Place in a small baking dish and add a few garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with S + P. Place in the oven and roast until charred.

7. Serve with Rice, roasted vegetables and pita bread

8. Enjoy!