This is a family favourite from a well-thumbed copy of Elizabeth Rozin’s Ethnic Cuisine – How to Create the Authentic Flavours of 30 International Cuisines (1983). Chunks of boneless lamb are marinated for several hours or overnight in olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt and pepper before grilling.

Grilled Lamb Souvlaki

I serve this with the Greek salad from the same cookbook. The recipe calls for iceberg lettuce, but romaine would stand up to the dressing just as well. Avoid mixed greens, which would quickly wilt in this assertive dressing.

Greek Salad

Round out the menu with grilled baby potatoes tossed with oil, oregano and lemon juice.

Lamb Souvlaki with Greek Salad and Potatoes

To avoid additives and preservatives in this recipe, use fresh lemon juice. Check the ingredients in the black olives and feta and avoid ones with preservatives added.

Souvlaki

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp crumbled dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/4 freshly ground black pepper

2 lbs. boneless lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 green peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces

Preparation:

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper and beat well with a fork. Pour over lamb cubes and mix well to make sure all cubes are coated. Marinate 4-6 hours or overnight. Thread lamb onto skewers with onion and green pepper. Grill, turning once, for about 4 minutes per side or until done. Serves 4-6.

Greek Salad

Ingredients:

1 head iceberg lettuce, coarsely chopped

1 cucumber, peeled and sliced

2 tomatoes, cut into eighths

1 green pepper, seeded and chopped

2 scallions, chopped

1/2 Greek black olives

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tsp crumbled dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/8 freshly ground black pepper

1 clove garlic, smashed

Preparation:

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic and beat well. Place all other ingredients in large salad bowl, pour dressing over and toss to combine. Serves 6-8.

From Ethnic Cuisine – How to Create the Authentic Flavours of 30 International Cuisines