Lamb Skewers with Fig Relish and Cauliflower Couscous

This Middle-Eastern inspired lamb dish uses cubes of lamb neck fillet or shoulder and is marinated overnight with herbs and spices. The skewers are served with a fig relish made with dried figs, mint and pomegranate seeds and a serving of couscous made with cauliflower -  yes, cauliflower!  A great entertaining or celebratory dish.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 450g lamb neck fillets or shoulder, cut into 2.5cm cubes
  • 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons freshly chopped coriander
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon distilled or white wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons rapeseed or olive oil

  • For the Fig Relish:

  • 100g prepared pomegranate seeds
  • 50g dried figs, finely chopped
  • 1 small handful freshly chopped mint
  • 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses (available in the world food aisle of large supermarkets)
  • 4 teaspoons rapeseed or olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

  • For the Cauliflower Couscous:

  • 1 medium cauliflower, outer leaves removed (florets should weigh 350g and roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons rapeseed or olive oil
  • 1 small red onion, peeled and cut into small wedges
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint

Method

  1. Put the lamb cubes in a large bowl and add all the onion, herbs, oil, vinegar and seasonings. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or if time allows, overnight.
  2. To prepare the fig relish; in a medium-sized bowl mix all the ingredients and set aside.
  3. To prepare the cauliflower `couscous’; put the cauliflower florets in a food processor and `pulse’ until the mixture resembles couscous or small grains.
  4. Thread the lamb onto 4-6 metal or wooden skewers (previously soaked in water for 20 minutes). Cook under a preheated, moderate grill for 4-6 minutes on each side.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the couscous; heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over moderate heat. Add the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the cauliflower and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the mixture turns golden brown.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon juice, seasoning and herbs.
  7. Spoon the cauliflower couscous onto a large plate or platter, position the skewers on top and serve with the fig relish.