Russian Shashlyk (Lamb Kebab With Tomato Prune Sauce}

A different version of shashlik, found on saveur

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup dill
• 1⁄2 cup seltzer water
• 2  tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons ground coriander
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons paprika
• 1  teaspoon cumin
• 1 1⁄2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into cubes
• 3  small yellow onions, two cut into 2 inch wedges, one minced
• 5  garlic cloves, minced
• 3  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon  red chili pepper flakes
• 16  pitted prunes, roughly chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes with juice, crushed
• 1  cup  minced  coriander
• 1⁄2 cup  minced parsley
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice
•  metal  skewer

Directions

1. Combine 1/2 the dill with seltzer, vinegar, 1 tsp coriander, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper in a bowl with lamb and onion wedges.
2. Chill overnight.
3. Heat oil in a 4 qt saucepan over medium heat.
4. add minced onion and garlic, cook 6-8 minutes.Add remaining coriander, paprika, salt and pepper, prunes, tomato paste and chili flakes, cook until caramelized 2-3 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes, simmer, cook until thick 15-20 minutes. Add rest of dill , fresh coriander, parsley and juice.
6. Heat a grill to high, with coals banked on one side, or one burner turned off. Thread onion and lamb onto skewers, cook, turning until desired doneness 15-20 minutes. Put any that are charring to much before being cooked through on cooler area of the grill.
7. Serve with sauce.