Entree: Armenia – Central Culinary Region – Խորոված ➤ Khorovats (Charcoal-grilled marinated meat skewers served with grilled vegetables and flatbread)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Additional 3 hrs

Total 3 hrs 30 min

Ingredients

- 2 lb (900 g) boneless lamb shoulder or leg, trimmed and cut into 1 to 1 1/4-inch chunks
- 2 large onions, one finely grated and one cut into rings, total about 10 oz (280 g)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar or pomegranate vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (3 g) sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground coriander (optional)
- 1 tsp (2 g) sumac (optional, for finishing)
- 4 medium tomatoes for grilling, about 1 lb (450 g)
- 2 large bell peppers, halved and seeded, about 1 lb (450 g)
- 4 pieces lavash or flatbread, for serving
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water at least 30 minutes before grilling

Instructions

1. Marinate the meat: In a large bowl, combine the grated onion (juice included), 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil, 2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar, 1 tsp (5 g) salt, 1 tsp (2 g) black pepper, 1 tsp (3 g) paprika, and 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground coriander if using. Add the lamb chunks 2 lb (900 g) and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
2. Prepare grill and vegetables: Soak wooden skewers 30 minutes. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to high heat with a medium-hot zone for direct grilling. Thread marinated lamb onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces. Grill skewers over direct heat, turning every 3–4 minutes, until nicely charred outside and cooked to desired doneness, about 10–12 minutes for medium. Grill tomatoes and bell pepper halves alongside until blistered and soft, about 8–10 minutes, turning as needed.
3. Finish and serve: Let meat rest 5 minutes off the heat, then remove from skewers. Sprinkle with 1 tsp (2 g) sumac if using and scatter chopped parsley 1/2 cup (15 g). Serve khorovats with grilled tomatoes and peppers, warm lavash or flatbread 4 pieces (to wrap), and extra fresh herbs.