Kebab Iraqi (Iraqi Grilled Lamb Kebab)
Local name: كباب عراقي
In short: Skewers of juicy ground lamb mixed with grated onion, parsley and baharat, grilled over charcoal and served with flatbread, tomatoes and amba. It takes about 37 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 37 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 445 kcal
Iraqi kebab is minced lamb, sometimes mixed with a little beef, shaped on flat skewers and grilled hot over charcoal. The mix is simple: onion, parsley, salt, pepper and baharat, with enough fat to keep it juicy. It is served on flatbread with grilled tomatoes, raw onion rings with sumac and a spoonful of amba. Kebab restaurants fill the evenings in Baghdad, and families grill it at home on weekends.
Instructions
- Put the lamb, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, baharat and pepper in a bowl. Knead with your hands for 3 minutes until the mixture turns sticky and cohesive.
- Cover and chill for 30 minutes so the fat firms up and the flavors blend.
- Heat a charcoal grill until the coals are covered in white ash, or heat a grill pan until very hot. Oil the grate lightly.
- Wet your hands and shape about 85 g of mixture onto each wide flat skewer in an even 12 cm (5 in) sausage, pressing firmly so it grips the metal.
- Grill the skewers over high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until browned and the center reaches 71°C (160°F). Grill the tomato halves alongside.
- Rest the skewers for 3 minutes. Slide the meat onto flatbread and serve with grilled tomatoes, sumac onion and amba.
Tips
- Fat is essential. Use ground lamb that is at least 20 percent fat, or ask a butcher to mince in a little lamb fat, or the kebab will turn dry.
- No flat skewers? Shape the meat into thick patties and grill them. Beef can replace up to half the lamb for a milder taste.
Questions and answers
Why does my kebab fall off the skewer?
The mixture was too wet or not kneaded enough. Squeeze the grated onion dry, knead until sticky and chill the meat before shaping.
Can I cook kebab in the oven?
Yes. Place the skewers on a rack over a tray and roast at 250°C (480°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, then grill for 2 minutes to brown.
What is the difference between Iraqi kebab and kofta?
Iraqi kebab is a simple mix of lamb, onion and parsley shaped on flat skewers. Other kofta styles often include more spices, bread or a mix of meats.
How long does it take to make Kebab Iraqi (Iraqi Grilled Lamb Kebab)?
About 37 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kebab Iraqi (Iraqi Grilled Lamb Kebab)?
About 445 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 34 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 445 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
