Armenian Grilled Meat Skewers

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) lamb or beef, cut into cubes 1 kg (2.2 lbs) lamb or beef, cut into cubes
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped onions, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the cubed lamb or beef to the marinade and toss until all the meat is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Armenian Grilled Meat Skewers with lavash, fresh vegetables, and your choice of side dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Marinade — The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is recommended for the best results.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking the wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning.

Tips & Tricks

• For added smokiness, you can grill the skewers over charcoal instead of a gas grill.
• Experiment with different cuts of meat, such as sirloin or ribeye, for variations in flavor and tenderness.
• Serve the Khorovats with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of acidity.
• If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for a colorful and flavorful twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Armenian Grilled Meat Skewers hot off the grill, accompanied by warm lavash bread and a variety of fresh salads or grilled vegetables. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger Armenian feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled meat skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve alongside warm lavash bread and a selection of colorful salads to create an enticing and visually appealing presentation.