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    | Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with Lentils and Feta Mediterranean
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    | March 2010 Recipe Contest Winner Lisa Speer says "I created this dish because my husband loves lamb and Mediterranean flavors. I wanted to include creamy, salty feta and toasted pine nuts because we both enjoy their texture and flavor with lamb. I chose lentils because of their protein content (gotta watch those carbs every now and then!). Since I always add a finishing touch of vinegar to lentil soup, I thought vinegar would lend a welcome zing to the earthy lentils, and that all the flavors would work well together. We loved the result - now this is one of our favorite lamb meals!" Now it’s one of our favorites, too! |  
  
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    | Ingredients |  
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			| 2 pounds lean lamb, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided use
 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided use
 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
 1/2 cup diced feta cheese
 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
 2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided use
 2 cups dried green lentils
 6 cups chicken broth
 1 cup finely chopped carrot
 1/2 cup chopped onion, preferably sweet
 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
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    | Steps |  |  |  
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          |  |  |  | 1 | Season lamb liberally with salt and pepper.  Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin and coriander in a shallow dish.  Add lamb; turn to coat.  Allow to marinate 1 hour, turning occasionally. |  | 
 |  | 2 | In a small bowl, combine feta, pine nuts, bell pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, and pepper to taste.  Stir until mixed.  Cover and chill 1 hour. |  | 
 |  | 3 | In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine lentils, carrots, and broth; bring to boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low; season liberally with salt and pepper.  Simmer 30 minutes or until tender; drain and set aside. |  | 
 |  | 4 | Preheat broiler and thred lamb cubes onto 8 metal skewers. |  | 
 |  | 5 | In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil and add onions.  Season with salt and pepper and cook until soft.  Add remaining cumin, garlic, ginger, and the lentils.  Stir gently for a few minutes until heated through. |  | 
 |  | 6 | In a small bowl, whisk vinegar and remaining olive oil together and add to lentil mixture.  Stir gently; taste andadjust seasonings.  Cover and keep warm. |  | 
 |  | 7 | Broil lamb about 4 minutes per side or to desired degree of doneness. |  | 
 |  | 8 | Divide lentils between 4 plates; sprinkle with feta mixture.  Place 2 lamb skewers per plate alongside lentils. |  | 
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    | Yield |  | original recipe yield: 4 servings |  |  |  If you use our recipes - please give foodie kitchen credit and link to www.foodiekitchen.com  |