Lamb Kebabs with Za'Atar Fries
This Mediterranean-inspired platter is everything you want in a meal, bold, juicy lamb kebabs, crispy za’atar-spiced fries, a creamy tzatziki, and a fresh, zesty tomato salsa on the side. It’s colorful, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Kebabs:
- 1 ½ lbs ground lamb
- 1/2 red bell pepper minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small red onion minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 wooden skewers
For the Za’atar Fries:
- 4 medium russet potatoes cut into fries
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp za’atar seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Tomato Salsa:
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- ½ small red onion diced
- ½ jalapeno minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ lbs ground lamb with the 1/2 red bell pepper, 3 cloves garlic, 1 small red onion, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp chili flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Divide mixture into 8 portions and shape each around one of the 8 wooden skewers into a long oval shape.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush kebabs with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 4 medium russet potatoes cut into fries with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 ½ tbsp za’atar seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ cucumber, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
- Combine the 2 medium tomatoes, ½ small red onion, ½ jalapeno, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and Salt and pepper to taste. in a small bowl. Stir and let sit for at least 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Plate the kebabs with a side of za’atar fries. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki and a spoonful of tomato salsa. Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired.