Turkish Lamb Kebabs

INGREDIENTS

1 medium red onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 medium tomato, diced (3/4 cup)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 tablespoon Urfa pepper*
1/2 tablespoon Maras pepper*
6 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 (1 1/2-lb) piece boneless leg of lamb, trimmed and cut into 32 (1-inch) cubes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 (10-inch) square pieces soft lavash bread*
Special equipment: 8 (10-inch) wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes

PREPARATION

If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce heat to moderate.

Stir together onion, parsley, tomato, oregano, Urfa and Maras peppers, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Pat lamb dry, then toss with black pepper, 1 tablespoon oil, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and thread 4 lamb cubes onto each skewer, leaving a little space in between cubes. Brush lavash (on both sides) with remaining 3 tablespoons oil and transfer to a platter.

Grill lamb, covered only if using a gas grill, on lightly oiled grill rack, turning over once, until medium-rare, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer lamb skewers to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm.

Grill lavash, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over once, until just heated through and lightly browned but still flexible, about 45 seconds total.

Remove lamb from skewers and divide among pieces of lavash. Top lamb with tomato mixture and roll up lavash to enclose lamb. Serve immediately.

Gochujang Grilled Cheese

INGREDIENTS

For the cheese spread:

2 ounces grated Gruyère (about 6 tablespoons)
2 ounces grated white cheddar (about 6 tablespoons)
1 ounce grated fontina cheese (about 3 tablespoons)
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Duke's)
1 tablespoon chopped red onion

For the sandwiches and assembly:
2 slices pancetta (about 1 ounce)
4 slices good-quality crusty Italian bread, such as ciabatta
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Duke's)
2 small pickled okra, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh bean sprouts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

PREPARATION

Make the cheese spread:

Mix Gruyère, white cheddar, fontina cheese, garlic, parsley, gochujang, mayonnaise, and onion in a medium bowl until well combined.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Heat a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high. Fry pancetta until crispy and fat has rendered, 3-5 minutes per side. Wipe out skillet and reserve for sandwiches.

Spread 1 side of each slice of bread with 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise total (doing this before toasting helps ensure a golden brown and crispy grilled cheese). Flip 2 slices over so mayo side is face down. Divide cheese spread between these 2 slices. Top each slice with a piece of pancetta, half of sliced okra, half of bean sprouts, and a second slice of bread with the mayo on the outside of the sandwich.
Heat reserved skillet over medium-high. Combine oil and butter, stir until butter is melted, and immediately add sandwiches. Cover skillet with a lid or baking sheet to properly melt cheese; toast until bread is crispy and browned, 3–5 minutes per side. Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately.