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Six kebabeh sikhi (lamb skewers) on a silver plate with flatbread, lime wedges, cilantro, and sliced red onion.
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5 from 1 vote

Kebabeh Sikhi (Lamb Skewers)

Kebabeh sikhi are succulent, grilled lamb skewers marinated in a garlic-onion mixture and spiced with coriander and chiles. You won't be able to resist them.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time12 hours 40 minutes
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Afghanistan
Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Calories: 270

Equipment

  • Metal or pre-soaked

Ingredients

  • 2 large (22 oz) onions, coarsely chopped
  • 2 moderately hot fresh red chiles, such as Fresno, coarsely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Heaping 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons sunflower oil
  • 4 1/2 pounds lamb leg, cut into 2-inch (5-cm) pieces
  • Naan flatbread, lime wedges, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh herbs, to serve
  • Store-bought or homemade chutney, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  • In a food processor, combine the onion, chiles, garlic, and water, and blitz to a fine pulp.
  • Lay a piece of cheesecloth over the top of a large bowl and strain the mixture through it, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible, and discarding the solids.
  • Stir in the coriander, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the oil. Add the lamb and mix well to coat the meat, cover, and marinate in the fridge overnight.
  • This type of kebab is best grilled on a charcoal barbecue. When you are ready to cook the kebabeh sikhi, start by preheating the coals. The coals should be evenly glowing orange before you begin cooking.

    ☞ TESTER TIP: If you don’t have a grill, or your weather isn’t cooperating, these lamb skewers can also be cooked under the broiler.

  • Thread the marinated lamb pieces closely onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Depending on the size of your skewers, you should have between 8 and 16 skewers.
  • Place them on the grill over the coals and cook, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness, 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to let the meat dry out or become too crisp on the outside through overcooking. Test a piece of lamb to ensure it's cooked through but tender.
  • Serve with naan flatbread, lime wedges, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh herbs for brightness and crunch. Add some chutney on the side for a burst of acidity and heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 1845mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.04g