In case you haven’t caught on by now, I’m a proud (partially) Armenian who loves delicious Armenian foods. This Lula Kebab recipe is one I think everyone will love.
I'm sharing my version of my family's Lula Kebab recipe, not only so you guys can make it, but so I can document it. Of course, each family (and Armenian restaurant) has a slightly different version. After you've mastered the basic mix, you can make it your own too.
What is Lula Kebab?
Lula Kebab (or Lulu Kabob, or Lule or Lyulya) is a key component of Armenian diets. Lula Kebab is a blend of ground beef and lamb (or all lamb in some cases), onion, seasonings and fresh herbs. It is cooked on skewers and served alongside pilaf and salad, and also used to stuff peppers + vegetables and fill meat dolma. Sadly, if you don't have a Hye Deli (Hye means Armenian) or Mediterranean meat counter near you, you probably can't find it. And that's OK, because you can make it pretty easily.
Where was Lula Kebab popularized?
It is a specialty of Armenian and other South Caucasus, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines.
What is typically in Lula Kebab?
Ground beef and lamb (or all lamb, in certain circumstances) is blended with onions, spices, and fresh herbs to make Lula Kebab.
What will I need for this recipe?
- Ground beef
- Ground lamb
- Yellow onion
- Fresh parsley
- Tomato paste
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt
- Ground black pepper
Lula Kebab
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon paprika smoked is best
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the ground beef and lamb to a large mixing bowl. (Make sure the bowl is large enough to mix the meat plus all the filling ingredients too.)
- Add all the Lulu Kebab ingredients and mix to combine.
- Cook on skewers, use as dolma filling, or make patties or meatballs.
Notes
Nutrition
Photos by James Collier
Like this recipe? Check out these other delicious recipes:
More Armenian foods:
Meat Dolma: Armenian Stuffed Grape Leaves
This authentic Armenian Meat Dolma recipe is so good, that you'll be wondering why you haven't been stuffing grape leaves your whole life.
Gluten-Free Pita-style Flatbread Recipe
This gluten-free flatbread recipe from Alison of A Girl Defloured is perfect for pita sandwiches, wraps and more!
Easy Turkey Kofta Kebabs
Though kofta kebabs are typically made with ground lamb, Alison's turkey kebob recipe is a nice, light alternative. The meat can be seasoned and shaped around the skewers well in advance, so with a little prep & planning, dinner can be on the table quickly.
More lamb recipes:
Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce
These Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce are much more brilliant, delectable, and easy to make than you might think. The meat only needs to marinate for a few hours before hitting the oven, and it's done! The spicy apricot sauce is delicious and relatively easy to make.
Spicy Lamb Burgers
Alison Needham's lamb burgers are a creative take on a time-honored recipe. Serve them alongside a nice (gluten-free) beer at your upcoming cookout.
Lamb Loin Chops recipe with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Lamb Loin Chops recipe with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and a Mustard Mint Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lula Kebab:
Sadly, you probably won't be able to find it if there isn't an Armenian-style Hye Deli or a Mediterranean meat counter nearby. But It's okay because you can still create it rather quickly.
You could use only beef. However, I don't think you should, the flavor of beef and lamb combined is truly delicious.
Lamb, beef and onions are used to make traditional Lula Kebab. There should be a lot of onion, and the meat should have plenty of fat to keep the kebab juicy.
Let Us Know What You Think