The aroma of lamb slow-roasting over open flames takes me back to summers in Provence, where my grandfather would set up his rotisserie in the garden. “Le secret est dans la marinade,” he’d whisper while basting the meat. Years later, when I discovered Istanbul’s vibrant street food culture, I was struck by how kebabs—though born from necessity and tradition—could become vessels of culinary artistry. What began as simple skewered meat has evolved across centuries and continents, and today I’m sharing my reimagining of this ancient dish with a French twist that would make both my grandfather and the Ottoman sultan’s chef proud. 🌿🔥
The Story Behind Lamb Kebab Cannelloni 📖
Traditional kebabs are magnificent in their simplicity, but this elevated version marries the rich heritage of Turkish cuisine with French technique. The inspiration struck during a late-night dinner in Tel Aviv, where chef Assaf Granit’s playful deconstruction of kebab challenged everything I thought I knew about Middle Eastern cuisine. The transformation of humble pita into an elegant cannelloni vessel creates an unexpected textural journey, while the aromatic lamb saddle—instead of the usual ground meat—delivers a buttery tenderness that melts against the crisp exterior. C’est magnifique! 👨🍳
Essential Ingredients 🧾
The soul of this dish lies in the quality of your lamb. I recommend saddle (selle d’agneau) for its perfect fat-to-meat ratio, though tenderloin makes an excellent substitute. The marinade combines pomegranate molasses (grenadine molasse) with sumac and orange blossom water—ingredients that showcase the Mediterranean’s floral and tangy flavor profile.
Chef’s Note: For an even more luxurious variation, consider adding a few drops of truffle oil to your tahini mixture. It creates an earthy undertone that beautifully complements the lamb, similar to how I use truffle in my Alpine Potato Bake. For those unable to find pomegranate molasses, reduce balsamic vinegar with a tablespoon of honey for a similar sweet-tart effect. 🍯
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1. Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, pomegranate molasses, sumac, cumin, paprika, black pepper, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice in a bowl. This aromatic blend infuses the lamb with layers of flavor. Coat your lamb medallions thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate overnight—patience here is non-negotiable! 🕰️
2. Create the Sesame-Tahini Filling: In a food processor, combine tahini paste, toasted sesame seeds, honey, orange blossom water, and olive oil until velvety smooth. The consistency should be spreadable but not runny—similar to a thick custard. Season with salt to taste.
3. Craft Your Pita Cannelloni: Lightly brush each pita with olive oil and sprinkle with za’atar. Roll each into a tight cylinder, securing with wooden skewers. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Once cooled, gently remove the skewers and hollow out the centers using a small knife. 🥙
4. Cook the Lamb to Perfection: Remove the lamb from marinade and pat dry. Grill on a very hot surface—ideally a plancha or cast-iron skillet—for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. The high heat creates that beautiful Maillard reaction that’s essential for depth of flavor, much like when preparing perfect ribeyes. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Chef’s Secret Techniques 🤫
The magic of this dish lies in the contrast between temperatures and textures. The warm, succulent lamb against the cool, creamy tahini creates a sensory experience that elevates this beyond street food. For the tomato-vanilla chutney, split and scrape a vanilla pod into your roasted tomato mixture—this unexpected pairing creates an aromatic sweetness that balances the lamb’s richness, similar to how vanilla enhances the complexity in my Coq au Vin recipe.
When grilling lamb, apply the same precision you would when cooking premium Wagyu beef—respect the meat by controlling your heat carefully. For a perfect medium-rare finish, use the finger test rather than cutting into the meat and losing precious juices. 🌡️
Serving & Presentation Tips 🍽️
To plate like a professional, create height by positioning your cannelloni vertically. Spoon the bright green rocket condiment alongside the rich red tomato-vanilla chutney for visual contrast. Serve the aïoli and tapenade in small ramekins for guests to add according to preference. A sprinkle of microgreens, edible flowers, and a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil completes the presentation.
For wine pairing, a robust Syrah from the Rhône Valley stands up beautifully to the lamb’s intensity—its peppery notes echo the spices in the marinade while cutting through the richness. If you enjoy experimenting with premium ingredients, the techniques used in preparing A5 Wagyu can inspire your approach to this lamb dish as well. 🍷
Remember, mes amis, cooking is about transformation—not just of ingredients, but of traditions. This dish honors its humble kebab roots while soaring to new gastronomic heights. Don’t be intimidated by the multiple components; each can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to assemble with calm confidence when your guests arrive. As we say in the professional kitchen: “La cuisine est un art qui demande du cœur”—cooking is an art that requires heart. And with dishes like this, you’ll capture hearts around your table. Bon appétit! ❤️