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Cag Kebab (Spit Roasted Lamb)

Turkish Cag Kebab (Spit Roasted Lamb)

​Çağ kebabı is a traditional Turkish dish from Erzurum, featuring marinated lamb slices seasoned with salt, pepper, and onions, stacked on a horizontal skewer, and grilled over an open flame, resulting in tender, flavourful meat with a smoky aroma. ​
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 4
Calories 303 kcal

Equipment

  • Horizontal rotisserie or spit​
  • Open flame grill or wood fire setup​
  • Sharp knife for slicing meat​

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg lamb leg or shoulder thinly sliced
  • 2 large onions grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary optional
  • Lavash bread for serving
  • Sliced tomatoes and onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine grated onions, minced garlic, olive oil, yogurt, cumin, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are fully integrated.
  • Add the thinly sliced lamb to the marinade. Ensure each slice is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
  • If you have a traditional Cag Kebab spit, prepare the fire with wood or charcoal until it forms a medium heat. Otherwise, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) if you're using an alternative method like an oven or grill.
  • Thread the marinated lamb slices tightly onto skewers or the rotisserie spit, alternating with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs if desired for added flavour.
  • Place the skewers over the fire or in the oven. Cook slowly, rotating regularly until the meat is evenly browned and cooked through, about 1-1.5 hours depending on the thickness of the lamb slices.
  • As the lamb cooks, periodically baste it with leftover marinade to keep the meat juicy and enhance its flavour.
  • Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat. Slice thin portions of the lamb directly from the skewers or spit, in the traditional Turkish style.
  • Serve the Cag Kebab with lavash bread, sliced tomatoes, and onions. Enjoy this flavorful and tender lamb with a side of ayran (a yogurt based drink) for an authentic experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 33gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 576mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 262IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg
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