Beef and Pork Lyulya-Kebab

Directions

1. 1

   Step 1

   

   Thaw the mince on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 4-6 hours. Wash and peel the onion. Rinse the cilantro. Line the baking dish with parchment paper. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30-60 minutes.

2. 2

   Step 2

   

   Separate the cilantro leaves from the stems. Finely chop the cilantro leaves.

   TipReplace fresh cilantro with dried. If you don't like cilantro, use parsley, dill, green onion, or other herbs you prefer.

3. 3

   Step 3

   

   Cut the onion into very small cubes.

   TipChop the onion using a food processor, grater, or blender. To avoid crying while cutting the onion, soak the onion and the knife blade in cold water.

4. 4

   Step 4

   

   In a bowl, mix the onion, cilantro, garlic, paprika, and thyme.

   TipBesides these spices, add others to your taste: Caucasian dried herbs, hot chili pepper, curry, and any others.

5. 5

   Step 5

   

   Mash the contents of the bowl thoroughly with a masher so the onion releases its juice.

   TipOr blend the onion mixture with a blender.

6. 6

   Step 6

   

   Add the beef and pork mince to the same bowl. Mix thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate.

7. 7

   Step 7

   

   Mix the mince thoroughly again and refrigerate for another 1 hour.

   TipAs it marinates and is kneaded, the mince should become denser. This is needed so it holds its shape better on the skewers. Knead the mince more often, for example, every 30 minutes.

8. 8

   Step 8

   

   Add salt and ground black pepper to the mince. Mix.

   TipIf you previously added a ready-made spice mix, check if it contains salt to avoid over-salting the lyulya-kebab.

9. 9

   Step 9

   

   Divide the mince into 4 equal parts.

   TipThe number of parts you get is the number of kebabs. Prepare one large lyulya or 3-4 small ones.

10. 10

    Step 10

    

    Thread each part onto a skewer as a thin sausage. Press the mince firmly so it holds well.

    TipTo make the lyulya even and beautiful, use a pastry bag with a wide nozzle or a plastic bottle.

11. 11

    Step 11

    

    Preheat the oven to 230°C. Place the lyulya-kebab in the baking dish. Place in the oven, set to grill mode, for 10 minutes.

    TipIf your oven doesn't have a grill mode, simply set it to maximum heat so the lyulya browns well.

12. 12

    Step 12

    

    Flip the lyulya to the other side. Cook for another 5 minutes.

    TipIf you're unsure if the mince is cooked through, cover the baking sheet with foil and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, reducing the heat to 180 degrees.

13. 13

    Step 13

    

    Serve the lyulya-kebab with lavash and sauce to taste, garnishing the portion with red onion and tomatoes.