In like a lion out like a lamb. That is the old expression used to describe the month of March and its frequently unreliable weather. March also brings with it other harbingers of Spring like daffodils, asparagus, and robins. Lamb is a common ingredient in many vernal recipes and meals, but none more versatile than the venerable kefta. Keftas are made with ground meat, usually lamb, mixed with Moroccan spices such as cumin, paprika, coriander, and parsley. Cinnamon, chili pepper, parsley, and mint leaves are optional additions.
1 ½ pounds ground lamb
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons fresh Italian flat parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Prepare the grill for cooking over medium-hot charcoal. In a large bowl, combine the lamb with chopped onions, spices, and mint. Mix until well blended. We use our hands to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Form lamb mixture into meatballs about 2 inches in diameter.
Thread 5 or 6 meatballs onto each skewer. Now, you may be wondering how you are going to thread these keftas on a skewer and get them onto the grill without them falling into the coals. When skewering the meat, squeeze it onto the skewer. Refrigerating the meat will firm it up a bit. Use care when transferring them onto the grill where they will firm up quickly as they cook through.
When the coals are ready, lay the skewered meat on the grill and cook until lightly charred on the outside and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife or fork.
Transfer to a platter and serve with assorted salad ingredients, minty cucumber and yogurt dressing, feta cheese, and pita bread or naan for a surprisingly satisfying and healthy meal.