Lamb kebabs are really the only part of the Eid sheep I look forward to. But we regularly have meat leftover. Instead of cooking it all I put part of it into the fridge for another meal.
But we’re often really kebab’ed out when the holiday festivities have passed.
I came up with this leftover lamb recipe to use up small amounts of meat that were left. It’s for when you have some meat, but not enough to really make it as a main component of the dish.
I hate to say it’s a tajine because really it’s not – even thought it does look like it! This lentil dish is commonly made as a main dish so I took inspiration from it and combined it with the leftover meat.
It was pretty healthy and satisfying and got rave reviews from my husband. We also had a round of garlic Afghani bread that I had picked up earlier in the week. They really complimented each other well. We of course always eat with bread as our utensil but you can eat with a spoon or fork too.
Transform Your Leftover Lamb Kebabs with Lentils
If you’ve enjoyed a delightful meal of lamb kebabs and find yourself with leftovers, don’t let them go to waste!
Wondering what to do with leftover kebab meat?
Lamb kebabs can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious meal with the addition of hearty lentils. This recipe is perfect for those who love to make the most out of their ingredients and create something new and exciting.
Why This Dish Works
Leftover Lamb Kebabs with Lentils is a dish that seamlessly combines robust flavors and hearty textures, making it an ideal option for a satisfying meal. The tender, marinated lamb from the kebabs adds a rich, savory depth to the dish, which is perfectly complemented by the earthy taste of lentils. This combination not only makes use of leftovers creatively but also introduces a nutritional powerhouse, as lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals. The dish is further enhanced by the spices and herbs typically used in lamb kebabs, infusing the lentils with aromatic flavors that transform a simple legume into a gourmet experience.
Additionally, the versatility of Leftover Lamb Kebabs with Lentils allows for various customizations based on personal preferences or available ingredients. You can add vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, or spinach to increase the dish’s nutritional value and add a burst of color. The hearty nature of lentils makes them an excellent base that absorbs and melds flavors wonderfully, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
This dish also works well for meal prepping, as both lamb and lentils reheat beautifully without losing their texture or taste. Ultimately, this dish offers a delicious, practical solution for repurposing leftovers into a wholesome, gourmet meal.
Recipes using leftover kebab meat demonstrate how leftovers can be reinvented into something entirely new and delicious.
Can You Eat Leftover Kebab?
Yes, leftover kebabs can be eaten. However, it’s essential to store and reheat them properly to ensure food safety and maintain their taste and texture. Refrigerate any leftover kebabs promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking. When reheating, make sure to thoroughly heat them to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
Tips and Variations
Leftover lamb kebabs with lentils offer a delicious way to repurpose your leftover meat into a flavorful and hearty meal. For recipes for leftover lamb, start by ensuring your leftover lamb is sliced or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the lentils. If your lamb was previously seasoned, consider how those flavors will complement the lentils and adjust your seasoning accordingly.
When cooking the lentils, opt for French green lentils or Puy lentils for their firmer texture and nutty flavor, which pairs well with the rich taste of lamb. To enhance the dish’s depth, sauté aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil before adding the lentils and broth. Adding a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking brightens up the lentils and balances the richness of the lamb. Finally, garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a burst of freshness and color.
Leftover lamb kebabs with lentils can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, omit the lamb and bulk up the lentils with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create unique flavor profiles. Try adding Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon for a North African twist, or go for Mediterranean flavors with oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
If you’re watching your carb intake, serve the lamb and lentil mixture over a bed of cauliflower rice or steamed greens instead of traditional grains. With these tips and variations, you can transform your leftover lamb kebabs into a satisfying and versatile meal that’s sure to please any palate.
More Lamb Recipes to Try
Discover an array of tantalizing lamb recipes to elevate your culinary repertoire. From succulent lamb chops with a savory herb crust to hearty lamb stew simmered with root vegetables, there’s a dish to satisfy every craving. Unlock the delicious potential of lamb with these mouthwatering recipes waiting to be explored.
How to Make Lamb Kebabs with Lentils
When you’ve got lamb meat left over and you just can’t handle another kebab, try this lentil dish!
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb lamb kebabs, in spice mixture
- 1 cup brown lentils pre-soaked for 1-2 hours
- 3 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic chopped
- 1 tsp each cumin, salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large tomato, insides grated (discard skin)
- 5 cups of water
Instructions
- In a pressure cooker or large pot add olive oil and garlic. Allow to saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Add meat and brown. Add remaining spices, tomato paste and grated tomato.
- Add lentils and water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a low to medium heat.
- Cover either with pressure cooker top or cover for pot. If using a pressure cook, allow to cook for about 40 minutes, making sure to check water occasionally.
- The lentils should be soft, not firm, although if you like them with a little bite that is fine. In Morocco lentils are always soft. Â
Notes
The main component of this dish is not the meat, it’s there as an addition but should not be center stage – that’s why this is a great dish when you just have a little bit of meat left over!
You can also cook just the lentils, omitting the meat completely and eat the grilled kebabs with the lentils.
Enjoying leftover lamb kebabs with lentils not only minimizes waste but also offers a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite way to enjoy your leftovers!
