Za’atar lamb skewers with whipped feta

Serves 4 Starters and mains

Zaatar lamb skewers with whipped feta

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Ingredients

  • 700g lamb backstrap (loin), cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons chopped oregano leaves
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon za’atar (see za’atar recipe, right), plus extra sea salt and cracked black pepper
  • 200g soft feta
  • 1⁄2 cup (125g) plain thick yoghurt
  • warm flatbread, lettuce and cucumber, to serve

Za’atar MAKES 1⁄2 CUP (30g)

  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves+
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Method

Za’atar lamb skewers with whipped feta

Step 1 Combine lamb, oregano, lemon rind, garlic, oil, za’atar, salt and pepper in a bowl. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 2 Heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat.

Step 3 Thread lamb onto 8 metal skewers and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked.

Step 4 Whisk feta and yoghurt together. Top flatbreads with lettuce, cucumber, lamb skewers, the whipped feta and extra za’atar.

Za’atar

Step 1 Place the thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and salt in a bowl and mix to combine.

COOK’S NOTES

This recipe is, essentially, just a simple mix of herbs and spices, so it is important to source quality ingredients. Specialty stores and online specialty spice merchants are my preferred go-tos.

Store za’atar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 months.

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Recipes And Photographs Taken From Even More Basics To Brilliance By Donna Hay, Photography By Chris Court (Fourth Estate, £28)
Zaatar lamb skewers with whipped feta
Recipes And Photographs Taken From Even More Basics To Brilliance By Donna Hay, Photography By Chris Court (Fourth Estate, £28)

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