Azerbaijani-style Grilled Meat Skewers

Ingredients

In this Azerbaijani adaptation of the Brazilian churrasco, we incorporate traditional Azerbaijani spices and herbs into the marinade, giving the dish a distinct Azerbaijani flavor profile. Additionally, we suggest serving the grilled meat skewers with traditional Azerbaijani accompaniments such as lavash bread, grilled vegetables, and yogurt sauce to enhance the cultural experience. We alse have the original recipe for Churrasco Italiano, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the cubed meat to the marinade and toss until all the pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Azerbaijani-style grilled meat skewers with lavash bread, grilled vegetables, and yogurt sauce for a complete meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pomegranate molasses — If you can't find pomegranate molasses, you can substitute it with equal parts of lemon juice and honey for a similar tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the skewers in water before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
• For a smokier flavor, you can add a small amount of ground sumac to the marinade.
• Serve the grilled meat skewers with a side of Azerbaijani pickles for an extra burst of flavor.
• If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from catching fire.
• Experiment with different cuts of meat, such as ribeye or lamb chops, to vary the flavors and textures.

Serving advice

Serve the Azerbaijani-style grilled meat skewers hot off the grill, accompanied by lavash bread, grilled vegetables, and yogurt sauce. Allow your guests to assemble their own wraps by placing a piece of meat on a piece of lavash bread, adding grilled vegetables and a dollop of yogurt sauce, and rolling it up.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled meat skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve alongside lavash bread, grilled vegetables, and a bowl of yogurt sauce. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.