Charlotte Festival-Inspired Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb kebabs seasoned with warm spices and served with refreshing cucumber tzatziki, inspired by the vibrant festivals of Charlotte. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 27 minutes pairs ground lamb, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp paprika, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well until all spices are evenly incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into elongated kebabs on skewers. Brush each kebab with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side until they are browned on the outside and cooked to medium.
  4. Step 4: While the kebabs cook, prepare the tzatziki by combining 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated and well-drained cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp chopped fresh dill. Stir until smooth and chill until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lamb kebabs hot with a generous dollop of the cucumber tzatziki on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charlotte Festival-Inspired Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charlotte Festival-Inspired Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charlotte Festival-Inspired Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charlotte Festival-Inspired Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charlotte Festival-Inspired Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki?

Mediterranean lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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