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Title: Basturma (Georgian Pomegranate Marinated Grilled Lamb)
Categories: Asian Meat Bbq Marinade
Yield: 1 Servings

1 3/4lbBoneless leg of lamb
  For the marinade:
2cFresh pomegranate juice (or
1cPomegranate syrup)
1smOnion, grated
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1/4cExtra virgin olive oil
  Freshly ground black pepper
1/4cChopped fresh cilantro,
  Plus
1/4cFor garnish
1 Bay leaf, crushed
1tsGround coriander
  Freshly ground black pepper
  Salt
  Lemon wedges for serving

From: Nov/Dec issue On The Grill magazine For subscription information, send mail to OnTheGrill@aol.com

In the Republic of Georgia, basturma is a sort of shish kebab (Elsewhere in the Near East, the term refers to spiced dried meat and is etymologically related to our word pastrami.) Georgians love the combination of fruit and meat with pomegranate juice as a common seasoning. If you can't find fresh pomegranates, use pomegranate syrup (sometimes called pomegranate molasses), which is sold in Middle East and Armenian markets. This recipe comes from my friend, Darra Goldstein, author of The Georgian Feast (Harper Collins).

Serves 4

Cut the lamb into 1 1/2-inch cubes, trimming off excess fat or sinew. (Leave a little fat intact.)

Prepare the marinade. To juice a fresh pomegranate, cut it in half and press it on a citrus reamer. Strain juice into a large non-reactive bowl. Stir in the remaining marinade ingredients. Add the lamb and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Thread lamb onto skewers and season with salt and pepper. Build the fire and let it die down to embers. Oil the grill. Rake a 1-inch layer of glowing coals beneath it. Generously season the kebabs with salt; grill, basting with any excess marinade, until the lamb is cooked to taste, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer the kebabs to a platter, sprinkle with the remaining cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

Garry Howard, Cambridge, MA g.howard@ix.netcom.com Garry's Home Cookin' Website http://members.aol.com/garhow/cooking

From: "Garry Howard" Date: 22 Dec 96 Bbq Mailing List Ä

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