Step 1

Combine - In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Pro tip - We combine all the ingredients before processing to prevent overprocessing.

Step 2

Process - Transfer the mixture to the food processor and pulse no more than 8 to 10 times. Pro tip - processing in the food processor makes the mixture slightly stick by distributing the fat. This helps the meat and marinade hold together.

Step 3

Marinate - Transfer the meat back to the bow and leave to marinate for 15 minutes on the counter or up to overnight in the fridge. Pro tip - Alternatively, you can thread the meat on the skewers and leave in the fridge until ready to grill.

Step 4

Thread/shape kababs - shaping these can be tricky so pay attention.- Take about 1/3 cup amount of beef mixture and make a ball then shape it into a long sausage. - Thread the skewer through the sausage. - Now using your fingers press them around the meat as if you are making a fist pressing the meat to the skewer. - Be gentle not to break the sausage but firm enough so it adheres to the skewersPro tip - dipping your hands in water will make the meat less sticky. Gloves do not help much.

Step 5

Hot grill - Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Brush the grill with cooking oil. Pro tip - The grill must be very hot but not smoking hot otherwise the meat will stick to the grill.

Step 6

Grill - Place the skewers on the grill and let cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Brush them with oil to keep them moist. The char marks can be controlled by raising and lowing the heat under the grill.Pro tip - do not try to move the kebabs for the first 3 minutes as they will be stuck to the grill. otherwise, you will break them. After 3 minutes they should release on their own.

Step 7

Serve immediately with rice or pita topped with tahini sauce or yogurt sauce and a side salad.

Step 8

To bake these in the oven instead of the grill.- Preheat the oven to 400 F/200 C or Gas Mark 6- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and brush with oil to prevent sticking.- Place the skewers on the tray and brush with oil.- Bake in the oven on the top rack for 10 to 13 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat on an instant-read meat thermometer reaches 145F for medium doneness.Pro tip - these will continue to cook on the hot tray even after you take them out of the oven so do not over-cook in the oven.