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Recipe
Cape Verdean-style Kalmi Kebab
Savory Grilled Chicken Skewers with Cape Verdean Flair
4.1 out of 5
This recipe brings the flavors of Cape Verde to the classic Indian dish of Kalmi Kebab. Succulent grilled chicken marinated in aromatic spices and herbs, these kebabs are a delightful fusion of Indian and Cape Verdean cuisines.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking time
10-12 minutes
Total time
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb, High-protein, Paleo
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Nut-free, Egg-free, Soy-free
Ingredients
In this Cape Verdean adaptation of Kalmi Kebab, we incorporate the flavors of Cape Verde by using pimenta, a Cape Verdean chili pepper, along with other traditional Cape Verdean spices. The marinade is also enhanced with fresh herbs like coriander and parsley, which add a refreshing and aromatic element to the dish. Grilling the kebabs gives them a smoky and charred flavor, which is a departure from the traditional method of baking or frying. We alse have the original recipe for Kalmi kebab, so you can check it out.
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500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground pimenta (Cape Verdean chili pepper) 1 teaspoon ground pimenta (Cape Verdean chili pepper)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
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Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
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Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 1g
Preparation
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1.In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground pimenta, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, fresh coriander, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
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2.Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
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3.Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
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4.Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
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5.Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
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6.Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
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7.Serve the Cape Verdean-style Kalmi Kebabs hot with a side of rice, salad, or Cape Verdean-style bread.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Pimenta (Cape Verdean chili pepper) — Adjust the amount of pimenta according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or substitute with a milder chili pepper.
Tips & Tricks
- If you don't have access to pimenta, you can substitute it with a combination of cayenne pepper and paprika for a similar flavor profile.
- Soaking the wooden skewers in water before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
- For added flavor, you can brush the kebabs with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and pimenta while grilling.
- Serve the kebabs with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick.
- If you prefer a spicier kebab, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Serving advice
Serve the Cape Verdean-style Kalmi Kebabs as an appetizer with a side of Cape Verdean-style bread or as a main course with rice and a fresh salad. Garnish with fresh coriander and lemon wedges for an extra touch of freshness.
Presentation advice
Arrange the grilled kebabs on a platter, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Serve with a colorful salad or rice on the side to create an appealing and vibrant presentation.
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