Jalamah with a Southern Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Syrian Jalamah is infused with the vibrant flavors of Atlanta cuisine. The original dish typically consists of marinated chicken skewers grilled over an open flame. However, in this recipe, we incorporate the bold and smoky flavors commonly found in Atlanta cuisine by grilling the chicken to perfection. Additionally, we serve the Jalamah with a side of creamy coleslaw, which adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Jalamah, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (470ml) coleslaw mix 2 cups (470ml) coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
3. 3.
   Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in the marinade. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and celery seeds. Mix well to combine.
7. 7.
   Serve the grilled chicken skewers with a side of the creamy coleslaw.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — Ensure that the chicken breasts are evenly cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Paprika — Use a good quality paprika to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Coleslaw mix — If you prefer a crunchier coleslaw, you can shred your own cabbage and carrots instead of using a pre-packaged coleslaw mix.
• Apple cider vinegar — Opt for raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar for a more robust flavor.
• Celery seeds — Crush the celery seeds slightly before adding them to the coleslaw for a more pronounced flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coleslaw dressing.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the chicken skewers on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven.
• Serve the Jalamah with warm pita bread or rice for a complete meal.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
• If you prefer a milder coleslaw, reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar and honey in the dressing.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern Spiced Jalamah with a generous portion of creamy coleslaw on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness. This dish pairs well with a side of warm pita bread or steamed rice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the spices to shine through. Place a bowl of the creamy coleslaw next to the skewers, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika for an attractive presentation.