Adana Kebab Skewers with Pistachio-Pomegranate Glaze
Spicy and tender Adana kebab, a staple of Turkish cuisine, is grilled to perfection. It's then brushed with a vibrant glaze featuring the sweet and tart notes of pomegranate molasses and the rich texture of ground pistachios. This dish offers a delightful explosion of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors with every bite.

Prep Time
90 min
Difficulty
Hard
Servings
4
Calories
450 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Finely grate the red onion and mince the garlic. Squeeze out excess liquid from the grated onion.
~5 min - 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, red chili flakes, sumac, salt, and black pepper. Knead the mixture thoroughly for at least 5-7 minutes until it becomes sticky and cohesive. This is crucial for the kebabs to hold their shape.
~10 min - 3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to firm up.
~30 min - 4
While the meat is chilling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together pomegranate molasses, honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over low heat. Stir until well combined and slightly warmed. Remove from heat.
~5 min - 5
Coarsely chop the pistachios. Set aside.
~2 min - 6
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 7
Divide the lamb mixture into 4 equal portions. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, and shape each portion around the skewers, pressing and molding the meat firmly to form elongated kebabs.
~8 min - 8
Grill the kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, generously brush the kebabs with the pomegranate glaze.
~10 min - 9
Remove the kebabs from the grill. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the glazed kebabs.
~1 min - 10
Serve immediately.
Tips
- For best results, use a mix of ground lamb and beef. Ensure the meat mixture is well-kneaded for a cohesive texture that won't fall off the skewers.
- Serve these Adana kebabs with fresh grilled vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers, alongside a side of bulgur pilaf or a simple shepherd's salad.
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