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Asparagus & Lamb Kebabs with Pistachio Mint Pesto
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This flavorful Asparagus and Lamb Kebabs recipe is served with a fresh Pistachio Mint Pesto – loaded with California grown goodness. This is a spring recipe you’ll want to make year round.
You guys!
These asparagus and lamb kebabs are your ticket to fabulous Flavor Town this Easter.
The earthy flavors and vibrant hues are the prefect combination for all of your guests to enjoy while hunting baskets and lounging in the California sunshine.
Asparagus and lamb happen to be splendid partners on a skewer. Asparagus just so happens to be starting it’s harvesting season here in California, so you’ve got a nice window of opportunity to make this at least a few times before the season is gone.
The red onion addition wonderfully serves double duty by of course adding to the bountiful flavors, but it also is the ideal foundation for the lamb.
I’ll show you what I mean…
I used 2 skewers per kebab. This helped stabilize the veggies on the skewer. Minimize the flip-flopping that can happen when cooking them on the grill.
After cutting my asparagus into 2-and-a-half inch pieces, I threaded two of them and pushed them all the way down. Then I took two red onion quarter slices and threaded them, curved side down, forming the perfect support for the lamb chunks.
Preparing the Lamb Kebabs:
I chose this fresh Leg of Lamb from Superior Farms at my local Save Mart. It wasn’t too hard to cut up into chunks, but if you find the idea of that daunting, just ask the butcher to cut it up for you and they will. I marinated the chunks of lamb overnight (marinade recipe below) in an olive oil red wine blend.
I think the marinade really took this flavor over the top!
After all the skewers were ready, we dusted them with a sprinkling of salt & pepper and grilled them on a hot grill.
While the Lamb Kebab is cooking, make the Pistachio Mint Pesto
While the skewers were grilling, I whipped up this Pistachio Mint Pesto. DON’T SKIP THIS STEP! This sauce is divine and an absolute superb topping for the Asparagus and Lamb Kebabs. (I was even dipping my crackers in it!)
Once the kebabs have a nice char on the lamb, pull them off the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes.
Serve each skewer, de-skewered of course, on plate with your favorite flatbread. This is a hands-on dish, so break off a piece of bread, add a piece of lamb, an asparagus or two and an onion slice.
Top with the Pistachio Mint Pesto and devour!
Lamb and Asparagus Kebabs with Pistachio Mint Pesto
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb. boneless leg of lamb
- 12 stalks fresh asparagus
- 1 red onion
For the marinade:
- 1/2 cup California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 batch Pistachio Mint Pesto for serving, or store bought pesto
Instructions
- Cut up the lamb into kebab sized chunks
- Combine all the marinade ingredients
- Place the lamb chunks into the marinade and refrigerate at least four hours or overnight
To cook the skewers:
- Preheat your grill to high/medium high
- Skewer the asparagus, red onion and lamb, alternating
- Dust the skewers one last time with salt and pepper
- Grill until cooked and a nice char has formed on the meat, about 7-10 minutes, depending on your grill
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Ready for a ground lamb kebab recipe you’re sure to love? Try making Lula Kebab next!
Lula Kebab is a blend of ground beef and lamb (or all lamb in some cases), onion, seasonings and fresh herbs. It is cooked on skewers and served alongside pilaf and salad, and also used to stuff peppers + vegetables and fill meat dolma.
Try these lamb recipes too:
Lamb Loin Chops recipe with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These tender, juicy lamb loin chops are perfect served alongside oven roasted brussels sprouts and dressed with a tangy mustard mint sauce. Is your mouth watering yet?
California Lamb Chili
This incredibly delicious Lamb Chili is oh-so-easy to make and loaded with good-for-you fresh California produce. Get ready to meet your new favorite chili recipe!
Asada-Style Lamb Tacos with Fresh Cucumber Salsa
These insanely delicious grilled Lamb Tacos with Fresh Cucumber Salsa are sure to be a hit with family & guests. So easy to pull together!
Let’s have one more look at that Asparagus and Lamb Kebab!
