Entree: Bahrain – Central Culinary Region – كباب بحريني ➤ Kabab Bahraini (Spiced grilled ground meat skewers typical of Bahraini cuisine)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 12 min

Additional 30 min

Total 1 hr 2 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb or ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely grated, approx. 4 oz (115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, approx. 6 g
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) baharat spice mix or a blend of ground allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground cardamom
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste (optional, for color and moisture)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 8-10 bamboo or metal skewers, soaked if bamboo
- Lemon wedges for serving
- For serving: 1/2 cup (120 ml) plain yogurt (optional), 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, baharat, cumin, coriander, cardamom, salt, pepper, and tomato paste if using. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly combined; avoid overworking.
2. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to firm up the meat for easier shaping.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates or pan.
4. Divide the meat into 8 portions for smaller kebabs or 4 portions for larger skewers. With wet hands, mold each portion around a skewer into a long sausage shape about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) thick, smoothing seams so the meat adheres to the skewer.
5. Brush the kebabs lightly with olive oil and place on the hot grill. Cook kebabs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through with some char marks, about 10–12 minutes for medium, longer if you prefer well done.
6. While kebabs cook, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper if serving a sauce.
7. Remove kebabs from the grill and let rest 2–3 minutes. Serve hot with lemon wedges, flatbread or rice, and the yogurt sauce if desired.