Cypriot Lamb Souvla
Cypriot Lamb Souvla is a traditional Mediterranean dish featuring tender lamb marinated with a blend of aromatic spices, olive oil, and lemon juice, then grilled to perfection. It’s smoky, flavorful, and perfect for any outdoor gathering or family meal. The lamb is juicy, and the optional vegetables add a colorful, tasty element to the dish.
Equipment
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Grill or barbecue
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Basting brush (optional)
Ingredients
- I2 kg 4.4 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2-3 large onions peeled and quartered (optional, for skewering)
- 1-2 bell peppers cut into chunks (optional, for skewering)
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Marinate the Lamb:Add the lamb chunks to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the lamb to ensure it is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is recommended for maximum flavor).
- Prepare the Skewers (Optional):If using skewers, thread the marinated lamb chunks onto metal or wooden skewers, alternating with quartered onions and bell pepper chunks if desired.
- Preheat the Grill:Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Lamb:Place the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Grill for about 10-15 minutes or until the lamb is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Rest the Lamb:Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let the lamb rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve:Serve the grilled lamb with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Enjoy with a side of Mediterranean dishes like Greek salad, pita, or tzatziki.
Notes
For added smokiness, use a charcoal grill.
If you don’t have skewers, you can also roast the lamb in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours.
For a more intense flavor, marinate the lamb overnight.
Serve with traditional sides like Greek salad, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce.