Syrian Beef Kebabs

Serves 4-6

Kebabs:
2 lb fatty hamburger
4 T tomato paste
2/3 C onion, minced
2 t salt
juice from 1 lemon

1/2 t cinnamon, ground
pinch cayenne
1 T allspice, ground
1/3 C pine nuts
oil for the grill

Lettuce topping:
6 C romaine lettuce, torn
1 sm red onion, thinly sliced
3 T olive oil

Alternatively: tomato salad, such as Shirazi

2 t lemon juice
salt and black pepper
tsatsiki (optional)

pitas, to serve

Method: For kebabs, combine all ingredients except oil and knead well.  Form into 12" skewers.  Make sure they are smooth and secure.  Refrigerate 1 or more hours.  Prepare grill to med-high and brush with oil.  Squeeze skewers one more time and grill until brown, not black, at least 7 min.  Don't turn too soon, but gently use spatula.  Cook 10-15 min total.  For lettuce, toss all ingredients and chill.  To serve:  place a kebab in a pita and top with salad.