Rosemary Lamb Brochettes with Mint Pesto

Pesto

2 tablespoons crushed walnuts

1 clove garlic

Pinch salt

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or pecorino Romano cheese

½

cup fresh mint leaves

½

cup fresh cilantro or parsley leaves

½

cup extra-virgin olive oil

Lamb

1½

pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grilling (if needed)

2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves only, coarsely chopped

Coarse salt and ground black pepper

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares

1 small red or yellow onion, cut into 1-inch squares

1 lemon, halved

For the pesto: In a food processor combine the walnuts, garlic, salt and cheese. Pulse to chop, then add the mint and cilantro, then pulse several more times to produce a chunky sauce. Transfer to a bowl, then stir in the oil.

For the lamb: Place the meat in a medium glass bowl. Drizzle the oil over the meat, then sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper. Toss to coat, cover, and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

Thread the lamb pieces onto about 8 skewers, alternating with the red pepper and onion.

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the lamb, turning every so often and basting with any remaining marinade (or using a little more olive oil, as needed) until cooked to desired doneness, about 15 minutes for medium.

Just before serving, squeeze with lemon juice. Serve with mint pesto.

Serves six.

@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per serving: 580 calories, 49 g fat (13 g saturated), 4 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 30 g protein, 111 mg cholesterol, 297 mg sodium.

"My Nepenthe" by Romney Steele (2009 Andrews McMeel)